As with other industries weathering the current economic climate, this Division is not without its challenges. In order to meet some of these challenges face on, members of this division have successfully lobbied the Minister of Finance on a number of issues to include:
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Duty concessions on restaurant refurbishments – an extension was recently granted.
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Payroll tax deferment.
In addition to organizing annual Department of Immigration information sessions for members, to update them on new procedures and educate them on the process, the division has met with the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety on a number of topics to include:
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The impact of Term Limits, closed categories (exemptions) & the time frame in which extension requests are processed.
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Hiring of Bermudians - the division worked closely with the Ministry and Department of Labour and Training to re-employ several Bermudians who were made redundant after the closing of a major hotel.
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Work Permit Holder’s Competency with the English Language Policy.
The members had different views on whether they should follow suit with the hotels, whose union fought to have gratuities raised to 17%. It was agreed that the Chamber would support any increase in gratuities that an individual business implemented.
Members of the division have participated in and benefitted from a number of promotions either organized by the Chamber or through its partnerships with various organizations, to include:
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Restaurant Week: discounted, prix fixe 3 course dinner menus.
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Chamber Shopping Festival: $10 dining vouchers for every $100 spent in the participating member retail establishments.
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Passport to Savings: Winter promotion offering discounts for hotel guests.
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Endless Summer Free Nights, Free Meals: Fall promotion offering a free 2nd entree for the purchase of one, for hotel guests.
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Family Learning Centre Fundraiser: proceeds from a selected dessert went to the charity.
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Tall Ships Al Fresco Dining: opportunity to provide al fresco dining along prime waterfront space during the Tall Ships visit.
CADA
The division was also involved in the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Awareness (CADA) consultation process regarding proposed changes to Liquor Licensing Laws which involves discontinuing the sale of singles/miniatures; introducing an extended type of license for those establishments operating as both a restaurant and a night club; mandatory carding and licensed security for nightclubs; TIPS training for all staff. Clarification and amendments are currently being sought by the division, in regards to their lack
of consultation over a new amendment that requires one security guard per 50 people, for establishments providing entertainment.
CADA met with members in April 2011 to provide them with an overview of proposed further amendments to the liquor licensing act and legislative changes to the Road Traffic Act which include roadside sobriety checks and the formation of an Alcohol Bureau of Control. A
submission was made on behalf of the members. Read more…..
CADA TIPS training sessions for July & August 2011. Please read on for more details. These will be the last training sessions until November 2011. TO register please go to www.cada.bm.
If you are interested in joining this division click here.