Bittersweet Brew: The Socio-Legal Dynamics of Labour in Poland's Culinary Scene

The hotel, restaurant, café, and catering (HoReCa) sector has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly in Europe. However, this growth is accompanied by operational disparities in adhering to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations within the Polish catering industry. Rooted in the sociological paradigm of law and legal realism, this research delves into the divergence between Polish, European Union, and international labour laws, and the practical sociological dynamics within Polish catering establishments. Employing qualitative methods such as interviews, observations, and content analysis, our study identifies pressing challenges in OSH and labour regulations adherence. We aim to elucidate the ramifications for service quality and advocate for legislative enhancements. Our findings underscore that economic considerations often dictate the selective enforcement of standards, leading to legal violations, customer dissatisfaction, and workplace predicaments. This study also reveals the complicity of employees in these situations and the complexity of regulatory overload. It underscores the urgency of comprehensive legislation tailored to the specific needs of the Polish HoReCa sector, encompassing labour law, EU regulations, and international labour law. Furthermore, education, training, strengthened supervision, and employee involvement are deemed essential to foster compliance and create a safer, more customer-friendly environment.