Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 29917

FAX CHARGES

TWO companies have had their premium rate fax services suspended following complaints that hoteliers had been deliberately misled over the cost.

ICSTIS, the body which regulates premium rate services, is investigating Merkuri Data and Desking Ltd for alleged breaches of a code of conduct which insists the cost of premium rate telephone or fax lines be clearly stated.

Hoteliers had complained that the companies had obscured the fact that they would be using a premium rate line when requesting copies of conference or wedding facilities by fax.

An ICSTIS spokeswoman said that if the allegations proved to be founded, it could stop the service, fine the companies or close them down.

dick's deal

BREAK for the Border, the Tex-Mex restaurant chain, is close to finalising a deal giving it exclusive operating rights for US chain Dick's Last Resort in the UK and Europe.

The first outlet is expected to open in London later this year and property agent Stephen Kane & Co has been retained to seek sites throughout Europe for both chains.