Preparation for the festive period in the hospitality sector often starts when people are off sunning themselves during the summer months on the beaches across Europe.
As many are getting a tan, owners and managers in the industry are starting to think about staffing, bills, inventory checks and updating fixtures and fittings as the winter season onslaught approaches.
Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster
The Christmas period is when the hospitality sector has to maximum its sales due to the fact that January and February are often lean periods as fewer people go out after the main party season. This is the time when our members see the bills pile up after the efforts they go to in making sure everyone has a good time.
So, imagine our collective surprise when one of those leading hospitality outlets sets themselves up for Christmas by dressing the exterior of their hotel in a banner extoling festive cheer, only to get a dressing down by Belfast City Council for the perceived flouting of rules on advertising.
The proposed enforcement action - which we now understand is on hold - and associated media coverage on the temporary festive banner at Ten Square Hotel, only served to highlight that Belfast City Council have taken a rather heavy-handed approach to the issue.
What this story has done is highlight the fact that the hospitality sector has ongoing difficulties and legal threats from local authorities, not just relating to temporary banners, but also small ‘A’ boards that sit outside various establishments to entice customers in with deals and offers.
At various points in the year, it is vitally important that the hospitality sector has the leeway to stick a metaphorical flag in the ground and say ‘we’re here and we’re open for business’. This happens in every city across the globe.
Yes, ‘A’ boards need to be used responsibly to ensure they don’t block footpaths and that people with disabilities can navigate the footpaths safely, but using draconian legislation meant to tackle deliberate flouting of planning laws is beyond unfair.
We’re calling on Belfast City Council and other local authorities across Northern Ireland not to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut and to apply common sense to allow the sector to promote itself in a responsible, cost-effective way to local customers, tourists and passing trade.
The vibrancy and long-term sustainability of our cities, towns and villages depends heavily on our sector. We need the legal threats hanging over our members for perceived contraventions to stop; for any live actions to be suspended; and a resolution brought to these range of issues so that a sustainable solution can be found.
It’s time to show our hard-working traders who work hard during this period of goodwill, some goodwill.