Province's efforts to eliminate red tape applauded by restaurateurs

The restaurant industry on P.E.I. is applauding the provincial government for implementing policy chances that reduce administrative red tape and will make it easier to do business.

On Friday, the province announced in a press release that licences could be applied for and paid online with email reminders notifying businesses when licences need to be renewed.

As well, dining room licences will cover limited entertainment such as acoustic background music, and the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission "will allow licensees to have no restrictions as to what they may charge patrons, so long as the price is at least five-per-cent more than the cost to purchase the product at a PEILCC outlet," according to a news release.

'We've already made positive change'

"I got a call in late spring saying let's work together and here we are, a couple of months later, and we've already made positive change," said Luc Erjavec, vice-president Atlantic for Restaurants Canada, referring to the province's Project ART (Addressing Red Tape) initiative.

"We've all heard about red tape and regulation and the administrative burden on restaurants. And, it's a project where we've been working hand-in-hand with government to try and identify these and eliminate them so we can better serve our customers and help Island businesses continue to grow," he said.

Saves time for businesses

Erjavec noted that the ability to conduct business online will save time for business owners, "which is time is money for a business operator."

Given these changes took only 60 days to implement, Erjavec is encouraged the the province recognizes the value of the restaurant and food service industry to creating jobs on the Island.

He added that there are "bigger and better things to come" as the working relationship with government continues. One area he would like to see addressed is changes to some older liquor regulations.

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