Regulation, Regulation, Regulation
With the economic blizzard now upon us we need - not least - an understanding government. Do we have that? Not if we look at some of the plans currently on the regulatory table.
For example, the recent decision by the government to prevent the minimum wage being augmented with revenues from the discretionary service charge will not only cost employees more through previously exempt National Insurance payments but will cost businesses more too. The only beneficiary here is the tax man. More recently, we have the proposed new mandatory code of practice for liquor sales and pubs which includes - among other nonsensical ideas - the regulation that restaurants must provide a lined measured glass when diners share a bottle of wine.
The only beneficiary will be largely continental glass makers as restaurants will have to spend literally thousands of pounds on buying complete new sets of glasses. Other proposed licensing regulations are largely irrelevant to the needs of business. But what's worse, they will cost money to implement when money is now in very short supply. The Food Standards Agency is currently considering recommendations about food labelling on menus which could present huge problems for operators, particularly those which change their menu daily. This regulation was certainly implied by government minister Dawn Primarola MP in a recent speech.
More distantly, and without a much needed amendment (for which BHA is currently lobbying), new regulations being proposed for 2009/2010 in Brussels mean that restaurants may also have to list allergens on their menus in the same way that food manufacturers have to label pre-packed supermarket meals. Individual restaurateurs will simply not have the skills to implement these regulations without buying in expensive expertise. Is this really the time to pile on all these extra costs - both in financial terms and in management time and resource - when many businesses are fighting for their life?
There is a larger danger. What is critical is that investment should continue even during the lean times. If the government forces businesses to comply with new regulations which may cost thousands of pounds to implement, it will take money out of the industry; investment will then freeze up. The phased withdrawal of the Hotel Buildings Allowance and the reduction in capital allowances, for example, are damaging enough but these measures are coming into effect now - at the worst possible time. If we want investment to continue, the government should at least delay them for a couple of years, which would be both psychologically and financially encouraging. Will government do this? Ministers speak of supporting industry during these treacherous times but then introduce costly regulations and damaging fiscal policies which imperil the very industries they claim to support. An understanding government? I think not.
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
