grandfathering
/ˈɡrændˌfɑːðərɪŋ/
noun
- A rule or policy that allows people or businesses to continue following old rules when new rules are introduced, usually because they were already doing something before the change.
- The company relied on grandfathering to keep using its old equipment after stricter environmental rules took effect.
- The new law banned smoking in restaurants, but a grandfathering clause allowed existing bars to keep their smoking areas for two more years.
- Many homeowners were upset when the city ended grandfathering for older houses that didn't meet current building codes.