The British Institute of Innkeepers expresses concerns over calorie labelling

The British Institute of Innkeepers expresses concerns over calorie labelling

The British Institute of Innkeepers (BII) has expressed it is concerned the government’s new launch of a consultation into introducing calorie labelling on menus will lead to “yet more red tape”, heaping further pressure on pubs. BII chief executive Mike Clist said: “The BII is concerned government is considering yet more red tape, increasing the costs of running pubs that are already under severe pressure from the impact of business rates, sugar tax, auto-enrolment pensions, beer duty and many other areas of legislation. Dealing with allergens, making the most of seasonal produce and keeping menus varied and interesting in a competitive market place makes offering food in pubs challenging enough without the pressure of calorie counting. A visit to a pub or restaurant is normally a celebration or treat and surveys have told us that even in venues that do give advice on the number of calories contained in a meal, it is often ignored. We believe the beneficial effects of pubs in counteracting loneliness and making pubs the centre of their local communities are far more important issues to consider, which is why we have joined in and are supporting the #longlivethelocal campaign. We will be encouraging government to look at reducing the overall tax burden on our pubs and announce the reform of business rates as well as reducing rates and duty at the next Budget.”

Article Credit: Propel