regulations
Definition
Regulations are official rules created by government agencies that your business must follow in your day-to-day operations. Unlike laws passed by Congress or your state legislature, regulations are written by agencies like the IRS, OSHA, or your local health department, but they carry the same legal weight as any law. These rules cover everything from how you handle employee safety to how you store customer data to how you display food prices.
Example
If you open a restaurant, the health department's regulations will dictate exactly how you must store raw meat, what temperature your refrigerators need to reach, and how often you must wash your hands during food prep. Breaking these rules can result in fines or even forced closure of your business.
Watch Out
Regulations change frequently, so what was compliant last year may not be compliant today, which means you need to actively check for updates in your industry rather than assuming the old rules still apply.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.