INSIDER Volume 11 - Issue 6 - March 22, 2011
» ORHMA Meets With Minister of Labour
On March 9th, 2011 ORHMA met with the newly appointed Minister of Labour, Charles Sousa. ORHMA recognized the recently announced government decision to freeze all minimum wage rates in 2011, as this is a significant concern to ORHMA members, particularly restaurateurs. The ORHMA took the opportunity to inform the Minister of the economic state of the industry and the financial pressures faced by hospitality operators, and also discussed with the Minister ORHMA’s fiscal recommendations for the upcoming provincial budget.
Other issues discussed included WSIB premium rates, and implications of new proposals to amend the occupational health and safety system. The Minister committed to ensuring ORHMA remains a key stakeholder as the ministry continues to develop policies related to the occupational health and safety system.
ORHMA also discussed with the Minister the industry’s strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Act related to gratuities.
» Bill 114 Gratuities Bill - Update
As we have reported in past Insider issues, NDP MPP Michael Prue last fall introduced a Bill in the Legislature that would "prohibit employers from taking any portion of an employee's tips or other gratuities". Bill 114 has been referred to a Standing Committee of the Legislature for public consultation. The ORHMA has been involved in several meetings with key Ministers and MPP representatives advocating on this issue and gaining plenty of support. Ontario's Hospitality and Tourism industry is vast and varied, and operational practices are designed to best meet the needs of the specific establishment. Bill 114 fails to consider the vast array of operational differences throughout the industry, such as private functions and all banquets. If the Bill becomes law it will not only add yet another layer of regulation onto business but it will have a devastating effect on the industry. We believe that the issue of tipping is best left to owners and their staff.
» A New Proposed Tariff to Include Television Sets in Hotel Public Areas, Restaurants and Bars
The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) has proposed a new tariff for the performance of recorded music in a public area to include ‘a television set’. While SOCAN does not propose an increase in the tariff rate, the new inclusion of television sets in a public area represents a new, substantial and onerous fee for hotels and restaurants. The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has formally opposed this tariff. SOCAN has applied for a Hearing before the Copyright Board to which the latter will rule in March/April. HAC, which the ORHMA works with at the Federal level, put an argument forward for dismissal of the proposed tariff, which is supported by Bell Canada and the Retail Council of Canada. The dispute is that television audio does not give rise to liability because the sound is delivered by FM radio waves. The radio exception remains in the Copyright Act. The Copyright Board has recognized this.
Existing Tariff 15: For a license to perform, by means of recorded music, at any time and as often as desired in 2006 and 2007, any and all of the works in SOCAN’s repertoire, in an establishment not covered by Tariff 16, the annual fee is $1.23 per square meter, payable no later than January 31 of the year covered by the license.
Proposed Tariff 15: For a license to perform recorded music forming part of SOCAN’s repertoire, by any means, including a television set, and at any time and as often as desired in 2011, in an establishment not covered by Tariff 16, the annual fee is $1.23 per square meter, payable no later than January 31 of the year covered by the license.
For more information on the mandate and powers of the Copyright Board of Canada click here to read additional information presented with this article.
» ORHMA Toronto Region Works with City of Toronto to Secure Win for Toronto Restaurant Solid Waste
Following the efforts of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association - Toronto Region Board, the City of Toronto’s Waste Management Department has confirmed that it has accepted changes proposed by ORHMA to allow restaurant operators the use of 95 gallon bins in place of the existing yellow bag system. The yellow bag program has been seen as both costly and impractical for many foodservice operators. For more information click here.
» Ontario to Amend the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
On March 3, 2011, the Ontario government introduced Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011 (“Bill 160”). The proposed Bill 160 amendments, which are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health and Safety, would significantly amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”).
If the legislation is passed there will be significant changes that would establish a provincial Prevention Council which would be responsible for workplace accident prevention, removing this function from the WSIB. The new Prevention Council would serve in an advisory capacity to the Minister and would include representatives from labour, employers and safety experts. A new Chief Prevention Officer position would be established with a mandate to coordinate and align the prevention system.
» The Beer Store: Suspicious Activity Alert
On March 16, 2011 The Beer Store issued the following alert for licensees:
Recently a licensee customer had an unexpected visit from someone identifying themselves as being “from The Beer Store”. They indicated that they were there to pick-up empties. These people were not from The Beer Store. Fortunately, The Beer Store had made a delivery that day and had already removed their empty containers. The licensee’s staff sent the visitors away without product.
There are two men, one was described as being in his sixties, shorter and balding. The second was younger and spoke with an accent. They were driving an older brown commercial truck (not a Beer truck) and the older man appeared to be wearing an older style Beer Store uniform.
Please note that The Beer Store will never send a crew out, unsolicited, to pick-up empty containers and you should always be expecting out visits in advance because you have placed an order or pick-up request. While we try to keep our delivery crews consistent with our customers, it is not always possible therefore TBS crews will always be wearing a Beer Store shirt and driving a Beer Store marked vehicle. You are encourage to contact your servicing DC should you have any concerns about your delivery crew.
» Did you Know?
» Removal of Magnetic Stripe from the Ontario’s Driver Licence Card
The Ministry of Transportation is moving away from the magnetic stripe on the back of our driver’s licence beginning April 1, 2011. It will take five to seven years to phase out driver licences with the magnetic stripe. The approved method to store information on a driver’s license is the 2D barcode. As part of the renewal cycle, driver licenses with magnetic stripes but no 2D barcode will continue to be in circulation for the next five to seven years.
» Safe At Work Ontario
Sign up for the Ministry of Labour’s newsletter for information about inspection blitz dates, blitz reports, and compliance tools. You can subscribe by clicking here. You can also subscribe to the monthly Ministry of Labour What’s New e-bulletin by clicking here.
» Algonquin College with a New Four Year Bachelors of Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree
Algonquin College located in Ottawa is initiating a new four year Bachelors of Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree. This unique offering in Eastern Ontario starts in the fall of 2011. This new degree, developed with input and full support from regional and national hospitality and tourism industry partners can be taken two different ways:
1. As a full program September intake (four years), admission requirements match those of typical business focused Bachelor degrees.
2. Diploma/Degree route where students take a two year Hospitality Management Diploma, complete the bridging requirement and then enter the degree in its 3rd year to complete it in just two years. This is an ideal opportunity for students who may not have successfully completed their University level admission requirements.For more information, contact: Michael Tarnowski, MBA, Program Coordinator at 613-727-4723 ext. 5147 or click
here to email. Click
here to visit website.
» Top 15 Countries with International Tourist Arrivals
International Tourist Arrivals
(in millions)
| France |
77.0 |
France |
74.2 |
| Spain |
51.7 |
U.S |
54.9 |
| U.S |
41.9 |
Spain |
52.2 |
| Italy |
39.8 |
China |
50.9 |
| China |
36.8 |
Italy |
43.2 |
| U.K. |
24.2 |
U.K. |
28.0 |
| Canada |
20.1 |
Turkey |
25.5 |
| Mexico |
19.7 |
Germany |
24.2 |
| Austria |
18.6 |
Malaysia |
23.6 |
| Germany |
18.0 |
Mexico |
21.5 |
| Hong Kong |
16.6 |
Austria |
21.4 |
| Hungary |
15.9 |
Ukraine |
20.7 |
| Greece |
14.2 |
Russia |
19.4 |
| Poland |
14.0 |
Hong Kong |
16.9 |
| Malaysia |
13.3 |
Canada |
15.8 |
The UN’s World Tourism Organization numbers on international arrivals are troubling:
Between 2002 and 2009, almost all countries posted international tourist arrivals
gains –except Canada.
» Food Safety – Proper Utensils / Equipment Guideline
Food protection from contamination is critical to keeping food safe for consumption. Yet when reviewing health inspection reports there are a high number of ongoing infractions related to the proper use of utensils and equipment and/or the procedures used to ensure food safety. See item 2C on your Food Safety Inspection Report.
In this regard, to help you to ensure your business always passes the inspection, attached is a Self-Inspection Checklist you can use to observe your workplace practices and take corrective actions should they be necessary click here.
If you want additional information contact Surety Food Safety Group click here or speak with you Public Health Inspector.
» Increase Your Hotels Energy Efficiency with EnerNoc
ORHMA has teamed up with EnerNOC to bring members an innovative way to increase energy efficiency and savings in your hotels with no costs! Whether you’re looking for ways to bring in new cash flows or want to add to your sustainability strategy, EnerNOC demand response can likely help your business.
EnerNOC pays hotels to reduce some of their energy usage during times of peak electricity demand. The program, known as demand response, alleviates Ontario’s reliance on fossil-fuel-burning peaking power plants, and provides a more environmentally-responsible and cost-effective alternative to traditional electricity supply options.
Several hotels in the province have already signed up for the demand response program. By agreeing to make adjustments to energy usage when called upon, these hotels earn quarterly cash payments and receive free access to EnerNOC’s demand management application online. Click here to read a case study on Delta Hotels’ participation.
To find out if your hotel qualifies for participation in EnerNOC’s program, please contact Lauren Rasmussen at lrasmussen@enernoc.com or 289-838-2244 or visit www.enernoc.com/get-started.
» ORHMA – Pay-at-the-Table with Chase Paymentech
At Chase Paymentech, we offer the latest in Pay-at-the-Table technology, bringing credit and debit card payments right to your diners. Benefits of Pay-at-the-Table include:
- Payment convenience for your diners and staff
- Assists with faster table turnover
- Chip and PIN acceptance at the table
- Reduced risk – the card stays with the diner
- Enhance the overall dining experience
For more information on Pay-at-the-Table click here.
Chase Paymentech has a SPECIAL OFFER FOR ORHMA MEMBERS providing you savings when you get a Pay-at-the-Table solution. To view this offer click here. For more information, call us at: 1.877.527.9473
» Western Financial: It’s Your Program!
Group Insurance Solutions is proud to be the endorsed provider of a specialized insurance program with risk management services for ORHMA members across Ontario.
Our specialized lodging programs, dedicated sales and service team, and administrative capabilities have been tailored to satisfy the individual client’s particular needs. This dedication to the lodging industry’s concerns has helped us become one of the leaders in the administration of commercial insurance and employee benefits programs for over 1,100 hoteliers across western Canada.
ORHMA Protected Self-Insurance Program
Designed specifically for members of the ORHMA, this Protected Self-Insurance Program offers immediate guaranteed premium savings, eligibility for year-end rebates, and comprehensive coverage. Click here for more information.
» STR: Where do You Stand Against Your Competitors?
ORHMA is pleased to announce a new partnership with STR (Smith Travel Research). This partnership will help you, our members, by offering discounted prices on products that accurately track your hotel’s daily and monthly performance, to see how you compare within the market and against your competitors.
» The STAR Reports Will Help You:
• Accurately track and manage performance against competitors, according to the real conditions in your marketplace.
• Identify precisely where you are gaining or losing market share, helping you to drive revenue to your business.
• Use real market intelligence for sales, marketing and revenue management decisions.
• Spot and understand market trends to quickly assist in developing sales and marketing strategies.
• Monitor the effect of business decisions you make with a clear financial picture.
• Set targets and budgets for your departments and measure progress and bonuses.
• See comparison between your direct competitors and local market.
Save money while you see how you stack up next to your competition!
Contact Erin Hannigan 1-615-824-8664 ext 3313 or by e-mail erin@str.com.
» Coaching for Workplace Performance and Success
When you hear the word “coach”, what comes to mind? Most of us think of sports – and people like renowned Hall of Fame NFL football coach, Vince Lombardi.
Lombardi once said, “Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen - the ones who win get inside their players and motivate”.
He was right – but the sports arena isn’t the only place where coaching can make the difference between average and winning teams. Coaching plays a key role in companies and organizations. That’s why many invest significant, time, energy and financial resources to make coaching an integral part of their managerial toolkit. Coaching in the workplace is a job-focused, behavior - oriented process to equip employees with the tools they need to succeed. It creates a win-win-win strategy, where the employee, the organization and ultimately the customer benefits.
Join OTEC’s Coaching for Excellence workshop on April 14th, 2011 and learn leadership tools and techniques that will help you reach your potential as a coach in your workplace. Click here for more information or to register today! ORHMA Members Receive Preferred Rates! Guaranteed to pay the lowest rates in any training session.
» Nominations to the ORHMA Board
Nomination packages and AGM information was sent by email, fax or posted mail to ORHMA members this week with a return deadline of April 15th, 2011. Directors have an important role in setting policy for the Association. They are required to participate in the three regularly scheduled meetings of the Association throughout the year. In addition, they may be asked to sit on committees or task forces as the need arises. All nominations will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee prior to presentation to the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
» Mark Your Calendars
- 2nd Annual Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit – April 13th & 14th, 2011 Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Toronto - Early bird pricing is still available using promo code ORHMA.
Click
here for more info.