Hospitality law generally refers to specific laws surrounding the hotel, restaurant, bar, and country club industries. Hospitality law not only includes laws specific to these fields but also includes real estate, torts, contracts, anti-trust regulations, employment law, and many others.

Food poisoning cases have been increasing, while awareness of food illnesses and how to handle them is increasing in parallel. This has led to a boost in hospitality laws worldwide, including enforced food safety procedures and security measures in hospitals, hotels, and restaurants.

Hotels must also protect their guests from criminal harms, such as theft of belongings left in the rooms or other harms, possibly even terrorist attacks.

The restaurant industry comprises many different types of establishmentsfrom fine dining restaurants to fast food joints and other food service providers.

Restaurants must also protect customers against slips, falls, food poisoning, and other personal injuries. While the First Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, the plaintiffs in these suits argue that non-misleading marketing, claims made by 3rd parties, and insight into manufacturing or "behind-the-scenes" processes may constitute fraud against customers.

Both industries deal with similar legal issues like anti-trust and franchise agreements. They also commonly deal with supply chain issues, commercial transactions, labor disputes, and other legal challenges.