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| Hospitality Magazine column What’s in store for 2008? The hospitality industry looks set to face another wave of legislation potentially impacting on their businesses as 2008 gets underway. The government are all set to introduce a Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill which while focussing mostly on the behaviour and responsibility of individuals also raises the bar for the licensed industry with its three strikes and you’re out for those holding managers’ certificates. This is likely to be followed by the passing of the Gambling Amendment Bill which is already before Parliament which will further enhance the high level of responsibility placed on operators of gaming machines to look out for and intervene with those suspected of having a problem with gambling. Next up will be the passage of the Immigration Bill which it is hoped will mostly have a positive impact on the industry provided the select committee has listened to the Hospitality Association’s representations calling for potential employees to have responsibility for accurately indicating their legality to work in New Zealand. Lastly but probably most significantly, the domestic food review is expected to reach its conclusion with the introduction of a Food Bill which will completely rewrite the application of food safety for all hospitality businesses. All food operators want to and need to produce safe food for their patrons. The challenge with the passage of this legislation will be to ensure that the legislation helps operators achieve that objective rather than imposing bureaucratic layers of regulation for the sake of it. 2008 is also election year and the perfect opportunity for all hospitality operators to be talking to their Members of Parliament about their concerns at government interference in they way they run their businesses. Operators should be talking to both government and opposition members and candidates as they are selected. With the election looming both the opposition and the government members of parliament will never be more receptive to listening to the voice of the industry. Let’s makes sure that we’re heard effectively. Bruce H Robertson |
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