BHA issue "no more red tape" plea
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) is calling for the burden of red tape to be lifted from the UK hospitality industry before it loses its place in world tourism.
The BHA made the plea in an 11-point election manifesto sent to all parliamentary candidates today.
The manifesto says that incoming tourism in the UK has been static for too long and that government must "pay more attention before new laws are passed" and consider the resulting effects on the hospitality industry's position on the world stage.
Other key points contained in the BHA's election manifesto include:
The abolition of regulations covering GM-labelling on menus
The immediate implementation of the licensing reforms outlined in the "Time for Change" White Paper in April last year
A "fresh-look" at the effect of property taxes, particularly Uniform Business Rates. Similarly with VAT on accomodation and restaurant meals
An amendment on the National Minimum Wage allowing for regional variations
No more "home grown" employment laws, in particular the proposed automatic right to work part-time following maternity leave
An increase in funding for vocational education in hospitality, and a simplification of the qualifications structure
The presence of food and practical cooking skills on the National Curriculum
More long-term grant-in-aid for the British Tourist Authority
A resolution to the confusion over classification and grading schemes
"The manifesto emphasises how important the tourism industry is to the UK economy," said BHA chief executive Bob Cotton. "The foot-and-mouth crisis has emphasised this but we must not let the Government forget its commitment to the industry after the election.
"Tourism and hospitality needs continuing government support to enable it to reach its full potential as a key economic contributor. It should not be held back by more and more regulations and higher taxes."
The full manifesto is available on the BHA's Web site.
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