Gerard Casey EBOP Chamber of Commerce CEO

Businesses in the Eastern Bay of Plenty have enjoyed a great summer with visitors spending time here and enjoying all the great things we have to offer.

A number of businesses have said they have had their best year in three years. It's always great talking to visitors and seeing it through their eyes.

One concern/complaint from them was the fact that surcharges are being charged on public holidays in a number of eateries in our town.

Under the Holidays Act 2003, anyone working on a public holiday must be paid time and a half and get a day off in lieu.

This has developed into a national issue.

The NZ Herald recently surveyed 22 bars, cafes and restaurants on one block of Ponsonby Rd yesterday, 12 did not have surcharges, five did, one had removed its special prices and four were closed to observe the Waitangi Day holiday.

In the New Zealand Herald article Restaurant Association national president Mike Egan said anecdotally it appeared businesses had shied away from surcharges and were covering the extra costs by raising prices in general.

"All places have probably done is put their prices up all year for everyone to cover it."

He said a survey conducted by the association showed that was the public's preference.

Well this all seems fair to me. Other stores do not charge a surcharge 1.e supermarkets, Clothing stores etc .

So my challenge is; let the Eastern Bay be the first region to have NO surcharges on Public holidays.

So is anyone prepared to do it?