Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 14260

I was surprised to read the article "Food poisoning insurance wins little support" (Caterer, 26 November, page 7). Any self-respecting caterers' policy will give cover for "cancellation of bookings following notifiable disease occurring within the UK, loss following food poisoning, vermin or defective sanitation". As it is not permissible to claim for the same loss from different companies, there would seem to be little point in paying twice for a policy. I can only assume that those canvassed for the article have not read the small print on their insurance schedules.

If one is seeking extra protection, I would recommend joining something like the Federation of Small Businesses which, among other benefits, includes legal protection insurance. In essence, this covers your legal expenses for criminal prosecutions, food safety and health and safety prosecutions, employment disputes, tax investigations, VAT decisions and penalties, PAYE investigations and DSS investigations.

Kevin Welch

Proprietor, Henrietta's Bar & Restaurant,

Kineton, Warwickshire.