OTS p4-5 news Jun09.qxp 28/05/2009 09:26 Page 5
news
Aberdeen council objects
to city’s curfew plans
The planned curfew in Aberdeen in trying to achieve what they are parties are happy with,” she said. its original decision on the curfew
has been left up in the air after trying to do,” he said. “My main In terms of the consultation, condition with particular reference
the city’s main council voted 17-4 concern is that it has never been which finished last month, to the lack of any detailed
against the proposal, which has put to council. I’m not saying Amanda said: “They should never evidence offered to support the
already been passed by the there aren’t issues on Union have approved plans like this policy intent. The logic of the
council’s licensing board. As it Street in terms of violence but I without public consultation. Why policy is even more questionable
stands the 12.30am curfew on think the extent of them has do it now after the plans have when the policy statement
nightclubs is still set to come into been exaggerated.” been passed?” Amanda pledged specifically exempts casinos,
force on 1 September, but Even before this vote against to continue the fight against the without any justification for doing
serious doubts now hang over the licensing board’s plans, the plans. this. From an operational
the plans. board put said plans out to On the eve of the vote, Patrick perspective, there are likely to be
The curfew has caused consultation, a move that Browne, chief executive of the inevitable public safety issues
widespread anger amongst late confusingly took place after it SBPA said: “We would question arising from creating artificial entry
night operators in Aberdeen, and announced details of the curfew. on what basis the board reached times for late opening premises.”
an online petition against it This was seen by many as a sign
gathered 4,000 signatures. City the board was willing to look at
centre councillor John Stewart put the situation again.
the objection forward, leading to Amanda Christie, director of
the main council voting against nightclub Snafu, says it now
the curfew. He said it should leaves the licensing board with a
never have been passed without major decision to make. “I’d hope
being brought before the full that now the main council has
council, telling local press: “I have voted against the plans the
Clubbers in Aberdeen are still
facing a 12.30 curfew.
never been a supporter of [the licensing board won’t see
curfew], my view is that the themselves as being above the
experience from other places council and they can work
shows they are not very effective towards a resolution that all
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Grim picture for trade painted in survey
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A survey conducted by sector skills council People 1st has
revealed that over a quarter of businesses in hospitality, leisure,
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travel and tourism froze recruitment during the 12 months to H>BEA:#
March 2009 while a similar number have cancelled plans to
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expand their workforce.
Most worryingly, a second survey looking specifically at the EA=DCA>C:=:AEHNDJ<:I688G:9>I6I>DCFJ>8@:G6C9:6H>:G#
licensed trade found that around 64,000 people lost their jobs in
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the last year.
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Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said “The pub
industry has undoubtedly suffered over the last few years but is lll#ea]dca^cZ#Xd#j`
in many respects ahead of the game in terms of recognising the
need to diversify and focus on marketing their offer to attract
customers.
“But at the end of the day, people are the lifeline of any
business, which ultimately depends on the skills and
competencies of its staff. Therefore, it makes good business sense
to attract and develop highly skilled staff.”
The report also highlights that two-thirds of hospitality
businesses invest in staff training and a quarter plan to increase
training despite the recession. Worryingly though, half of
respondents plan to cut back on training. “This is a false
economy,” claimed Brian. “Companies that grow their staff and
provide good value for money without compromising on quality,
should be in pole position when the economy picks up.”
www.55north.com · june 2009 · ots · 5 ·
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