We can see from the previous graph (Tasmanian Average Occupancy Levels) that from October 2014 to October 2017, the trends are very similar each year however for the last 12 months, we are seeing a widening in the peaks and a less aggressive decline compared to previous years. To view the full report please go to the THA website. As always, if you would like to take part in out monthly survey, please contact me remembering all information is kept confidential if you so choose. The 3rd of December marked a special date for Dawn and Jimmy Piscioneri who are the owners of the Ophir Hotel in Beaconsfield. The couple took over the hotel in 1984 and recently clocked up 33 years in the venue. The couple have witnessed the boom and the bust in the town which previously boasted three hotels. The Ophir is now the only hotel still trading in Beaconsfield since the closure of both the Club and Exchange Hotels. After originally buying the venue which they intended to stay at for no more than six years, the couple still find themselves pulling beers. With their farm beckoning, the venue is on the market and as the only Hotel operating now in the
Our THA Southern Race Day was again held at Luxbet Park on Caulfield Cup day with more than 230 members and corporate partners attending the event. Once again the phrase “couldn’t win a kind smile in a brothel” was used frequently throughout the day by yours truly. The event continues to be extremely popular with racegoers in the south of the state and we look forward to the 13th of December when we will hold our Launceston Race Night at the Tas Turf Club. Once again many thanks to Tony Scott for his assistance with the organisation and running of the Southern Race Day. Many of you will be holding staff Christmas functions in the next fortnight so it’s important to be aware of your responsibilities. Conduct - Ensure that your staff have proper training in policy around harassment and workplace behaviour. This includes avoiding derogatory comments, or behaviour that can put staff members at risk of injury, so no singing on the tables. This extends to social media, so a clear policy about what is ok and what isn’t is advised. Leading up to the party send an email reminding them how the rules apply in context of the upcoming event. It is best practice to designate a responsible person, who doesn’t drink, and can
town, is an attractive option. Well done to both Dawn and Jimmy for their contribution to the industry. Since our last edition, we held our state conference at Wrest Point Hotel on the 9th and 10th of October. To say that our keynote speakers Ben Roberts –Smith and Alla Wolf -Tasker stole the show, would be an understatement. Both Alla and Ben inspired the delegates with their individual stories and left all who were present wanting more. Hotel legend Arthur Laundy gave a no nonsense account of his journey through hospitality and entertained the audience
represent the company on the day and make any required decisions. If you feel it’s necessary, host a meeting, introduce your responsible person and go through some scenarios, fielding any questions to make sure everyone understands the rules. Workplace functions, even if off- premises, become a ‘workplace’ for the purpose of the Anti-discrimination and OHS legislation. Firstly it is important to ensure you are hosting a party at a safe location, so inspect the venue prior to the event. Look
with a special story which involved his now famous son Stu and Bachelorette star Sophie Monk. We all now know the story had a happy ending and thank Arthur for keeping a lid on the result. As well as impressing delegates with his own story, Weston Farm / Pigeon Hole Café owner Richard Weston also impressed key note speaker Alla Wolf- Tasker who at the end of his panel session immediately
out for tripping hazards and make sure fire exits, toilets, non-smoking areas and venue policies are well displayed. On arrival take attendees through this key information and reiterate the code of conduct. Keeping a lid on it - While most people love a bit of Christmas cheer, the way you handle alcohol at the party can significantly reduce the chance of there being an incident. Firstly it is important that the person serving alcohol has their Responsible Service of Alcohol license, and the venue has a license for alcohol consumption. Secondly, designating specific drinking areas, and even hiring a security guard to keep your staff safe and informed can really help head off any issues. Provide ample food, and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside activities people can participate in that don’t centre on alcohol to maintain a safe party atmosphere. You can even try creative events that don’t have alcohol at all, like dance classes, ice-skating or an amazing race around the city!
offered Richard a job at her famous / award winning “Lake House” in the Daylesford hills in Victoria. Night one saw THA CEO Steve Old take out the PFD Burger Competition which was made easier when his two competitors “The Tasmanian Mayor” Darren Alexander (burnt the lot) and HostPlus legend Mike Glidden (totally raw burger) folded under the pressure. You’d think that with a room full of industry people, the CUB beer pouring competition would be a doddle of one of the many publicans who took part in the event but in the end the final was taken out by Bendigo Bank Telco BDM Sarah Veale who insisted she’d never poured a beer before. We thank all our exhibitors who took part in the two day trade show and thank Selina Spowart and the Wrest Point Events team for their fabulous assistance leading up to and during the conference. A special thank you must also go to Tony Scott who gave up his time to assist the THA team with the organisation and the running of the event.
Getting home safe - While it’s not a requirement to provide transport at a party, you can rest easy if you know your staff have a safe route home. Informing attendees of their options around public transport, pre-booking taxis and facilitating things like designated drivers and carpooling can ensure that when the fun starts to wind down, everyone ends up safe in bed. Have a very safe and happy Christmas and many thanks again for your support during 2017. We look forward to seeing you all again during 2018.
December 2017 www.australianhotels.asn.au
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