Friday News Bites
In this week’s news we reflect on the fatal accident inquiry into the fire at Cameron House Hotel and warn of further supply chain disruption for hospitality caused by looming dock strikes. On a lighter note, we give a shout out to talking hand sanitisers at the Commonwealth Games and consider carbon labelling on menus.
Inquiry into Cameron House fire opens
The fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the fire at Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond, in December 2017 has opened. The blaze that claimed two lives is being held at Paisley Sheriff Court and will look at issues around guest and fire safety at the five-AA-star hotel. It will determine whether any lessons can be learned to minimise the risk of future deaths but is not a criminal trial. At the Sheriff Court hearing hotel operator Cameron House Resort (Loch Lomond) Ltd admitted failing to take the necessary fire safety measures to ensure the safety of its guests and employees between January 14 2016 and December 18 2017 and was fined £500,000. Are your risk assessments and fire training up to date?
Dockers’ strikes loom
Supply chain strain is set to get worse as more than 1,900 workers at Felixstowe Dock, the UK’s largest shipping container port, are preparing to begin an eight-day strike later this month in a dispute over pay. And a second port, Liverpool, has also just voted in favour of strike action. The Felixstowe port workers will begin strike action on August 21 and end on Monday 29 August. About 48 per cent of containers brought into the UK are transported via the port. The supply chain of food and drinks, as well as foodservice equipment and machinery, are likely to feel the effects and delays likely to result from such strike action.
Talking hand sanitisers appear at Birmingham 2022
Birmingham’s fantastic 2022 Commonwealth Games was a winner in so many ways. And with over one million spectators visiting the various sporting arenas, hygiene confidence was part of its success. Thanks to Dettol, the games featured more than 100 ‘talking’ hand sanitiser dispensers as an innovative way to drive better hygiene at the biggest sporting event held in the UK since the pandemic.
Food outlet trials ‘carbon labelling’ on menus
We all know about calorie labelling but a popular Bristol restaurant and live music venue is adding carbon footprint labels to its menu. The Canteen in Stokes Croft has partnered with Viva! And My Emissions – a company that offers carbon labelling in food to promote carbon transparency in the food industry. My Emissions won the Young Innovators’ award in 2021/2022. By displaying the carbon footprint of dishes on the menu, The Canteen hopes to contribute towards more environmentally conscious food choices amongst their customers.