Red-tape damage 'must be recognised'

The Government must have a better understanding of the damaging impact of regulation on pubs and other hospitality businesses.

That was the message from British Hospitality Association (BHA) chief executive Bob Cotton, speaking at the BHA's annual lunch in central London last Thursday.

Around 100 people attended the event which saw awards presented to the London Olympic bid team and TV chef Jamie Oliver despite the disruption caused by the terrorist attacks.

Cotton said the Government didn't appreciate the difficulties that businesses face in adhering to regulations. He pointed to the problems of the new licensing laws, the proposed introduction of alcohol disorder zones and tighter immigration controls.

'The industry's successful future depends not only on the entrepreneurial instincts of people in it but on the Government's own approach, he said.

'We urge the Government to match industry's investment in its own way with a much more profound understanding of the pressures under which a modern business operates.

TV chef Oliver and the London Olympic bid team re-ceived a 2005 British Hospitality Award at the lunch.

Oliver, whose TV show Jamie's School Dinners focused on the poor standard of school meals, was praised for highlighting 'the standards facing the [leisure] service generally.

The BHA said the success of the Olympic Bid Team 'emphasised the crucial importance of co-operation between Govern-ment, local authorities, the capital's tourism industry, sports organisations, and transport interests.

The Savoy Educational Trust, which last year gave grants of almost £700,000 to help training in the leisure industry, also won an award.

GMB union protest is called off, p13