Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 14086

Water rules

The Government has introduced new rules for the labelling of bottled water. All minerals contained in the water must be listed and spring water taken from the same source must not be sold under different brand names.

Training scheme

The shortage of skilled chefs has prompted Ireland's Hastings Hotel Group to launch a three-year chefs' training course with the Training and Employment Agency. So far, the hotel group has taken on seven apprentice chefs to work towards National Vocational Qualifications.

Carlton awards

The 1999 Carlton London Restaurant Awards are to take place in March. A panel will be selected to nominate restaurants for six categories, including a new award for the restaurant with the highest international profile. "Best local" and "people's choice" awards will be nominated by the public.

Royal York project

Principal Hotels is to spend £2.5m on conference and banqueting facilities at its Royal York Hotel in York.A glass walkway is to link old and new parts of the hotel.A further £1m is to be invested in a new health club.

Consort member

The 55-bedroom Royal Hotel in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is the latest independent hotel to sign up to the Consort Hotels Group consortium.