The Department for Enterprise (DfE) met with a small group of businesses that was made up of the Licenced Victuallers Association (LVA), Restaurateur’s Association and the wider hospitality sector.
The Department and the LVA met yesterday (May 2) to discuss concerns raised regarding the future of the Island’s hospitality sector.
This followed the open forum event on April 29 where the Treasury Minister and Enterprise Minister engaged in open dialogue with representatives from the sector to listen and further understand the challenges currently facing the sector.
Hospitality concerns
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: “It is clear that the collective voice of the industry is that there is a need for Government to act quickly to mitigate concerns raised by the hospitality sector, as well as to maintain a dialogue to secure the continued vibrancy of the Isle of Man’s hospitality offering over the short, medium and long term.”
The Enterprise Minister ensure that his Department are ‘listening’ and that he is ‘keen to ensure the communication lines remain open with the sector’.
He has asked the Business Agency to continue this momentum and work with representatives of the sector to develop options for a way forward as an absolute priority which are affordable, sustainable and fair.
Andy Gibbs Chair of the LVA commented: ‘This week has seen further conversation with the Isle of Man Government.
‘Our concerns were made clear in our press release, and we have agreed to now work with the Department for Enterprise to develop more detail around options for support which will achieve the desired outcomes for our industry.
‘This will allow us to maintain and improve our offering for residents and tourists, whilst being able to operate as commercially viable businesses – and importantly before the TT Races in the coming weeks.
‘We have also agreed on a structure to support a cohesive voice for the sector going forwards. We welcome the acknowledgement of our concerns by Government, and hope the message that we need support quickly if our businesses are able to survive has been received.’
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