Hoteliers have a ‘perception' problem over millennium bug

Only one in five hoteliers and caterers has got to grips with the threat posed by the millennium bug, says the Government agency set up to combat the problem.

Action 2000, set up by the Department of Trade and Industry, has found that many in the industry could face difficulty because they believe that only computers will be affected by the problems, ignoring the threat to other systems such as alarms and air-conditioning.

The problem arises because many chips recognise dates only by their last two digits and will not be able to distinguish between the years 2000 and 1900.

Action 2000 chairman Don Cruickshank commented: "If this many companies think they're ready when they're not, then the hotel and catering industry as a whole is suffering a worrying perception vacuum."

l Action 2000 hotline: 0845 601 2000