Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 30540
Sproat's appeal
heritage minister Iain Sproat is canvassing opinion on two pieces of legislation for tourist accommodation.
As part of the Government's deregulation initiative, the minister is investigating the Tourism (Sleeping Accommodation Price Display) Order 1977 and the Hotel Proprietors Act 1956.
The first requires hotels, guesthouses, inns and other establishments with four or more bedrooms to display the price of accommodation in their reception area or entrance. The latter deals with a proprietor's liability for damage to guests' property, limiting it to a maximum of £50 per item and £100 for any one guest. Owners must display a notice in their establishment to be protected.
Mr Sproat emphasised that no decision had yet been taken. "I want to hear the views of everyone with an interest before I consider them fully," he said. The deadline for responding to the consultation is 29 April.
dry-cleaning scam
Berkshire police are investigating a suspected fraud in which nearly 100 restaurants across the county and in London are believed to have been targeted with claims for fake dry-cleaning bills. The alleged fraud involves claims for cleaning a suede skirt at a cost of £11.09. Restaurateurs who believe they have been approached should contact Detective Constable Jock Pryce at Maidenhead Police Station, on 0628 777200.
magazine closes
INSIDE Hotels, one of the titles acquired by Reed Business Publishing when it purchased Blakebeck Magazines last year, has been closed. Reed plans to convert it into a fortnightly newsletter for senior managers in the industry. It will not carry advertising, but invest in developing subscriptions revenue.
