Punjab Bar Council Issues Notices to Hotels and Restaurants Over Staff Uniforms

The Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) has issued notices to more than 100 hotels and restaurants across Punjab, directing them to discontinue the use of staff uniforms that closely resemble the official attire worn by advocates.

According to the council, the action follows multiple complaints alleging that employees at various hospitality establishments were wearing clothing similar to the dress code prescribed for lawyers and judges, which could create confusion among the public.

Council Seeks Explanations from Businesses

The notices instruct the affected businesses to:

• Stop using uniforms resembling the official dress of advocates.
• Provide details of employees wearing such attire.
• Explain the job responsibilities of those employees.
• Submit a response before the PbBC Disciplinary Committee.

The council stated that individuals who are not enrolled as advocates are not permitted to wear the official lawyers’ uniform, adding that any unauthorized use may have legal implications under applicable laws.

Legal Action May Follow Non-Compliance

The Punjab Bar Council has warned that failure to comply with the notices could result in legal proceedings against the businesses and, where applicable, their owners, directors, shareholders, and employees.

PbBC Explains Purpose of the Notices

Speaking to the media, PbBC Disciplinary Committee Chairman Abbas Ali Chadhar said the move is intended to prevent confusion among the public rather than to grant any special status to lawyers.

He encouraged hotels and restaurants to adopt uniforms that are clearly distinguishable from the official attire of advocates. He also noted that clothing associated with members of the judiciary should likewise not be imitated or used in commercial settings.

Official Dress Code for Advocates

According to the Punjab Bar Council, the prescribed dress code includes:

For Male Advocates

• Black coat
• White shirt
• Black tie
• Black, grey, or white trousers
• Alternatively, a white shalwar kameez with a black sherwani

For Female Advocates

• Black coat
• White shalwar kameez
• White dupatta

The council said the official dress code is intended for enrolled advocates appearing in a professional capacity and should not be replicated in a way that may mislead the public.