Tips was one of the issues that dominated the headlines this week, namely the practice of using non-cash tips to subsidise staff wages, which will be outlawed from October.
First the Government rejected the British Hospitality Association's claim that banning the practice would cost the industry £450m. It then caused horror by announcing that the ban on topping up wages with tips would come into force this October, while operators continue to struggle with the fallout from the recession.
The unions and consumer groups welcomed the move, while the tax man won his long running battle over tips with private members' club Annabel's.
While the value of global hotel deals hit a low not seen since 2002, the branded coffee bar market appears to be bucking the economic trend, causing quite a stir.
Heartstone Inns added a fifth site and Peach Pub Company intends to take any chances that present themselves to expand in the tough market. Ego Restaurants, now under the stewardship of James Horler, plans five new sites for 2009 as well. Even though we're in tough times, it seems opportunities remain to do business.
In a right royal deal contract caterer Elior extended its Historic Royal Palaces contract, which will see it sent to the Tower of London (as well as Hampton Court and Kensington Palace).
The Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation denied industry rumours that its private members' club Morton's in London is closing.
A chance to show your wild [and compassionate] side, as the RSPCA is looking for entries from the pub and restaurant sectors for its Good Business Awards.
Tickets are still available for the Great British Menu dinner on 18 May at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, which is raising money for Hospitality Action. Last year's finalist Jason Atherton has pulled together a number of chefs from the BBC2 show to create a six-course meal for 300 people.
To buy a ticket, e-mail fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk or call 0870 351 0160
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Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president of the World Travel and Tourism Council, does his best to quell fears over swine flu