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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 2

Classification of Hotels 3

Classification – My Pond Hotel 4

Facilities 7

Market Segmentation 8

Rates 9

Unique Selling Points 10

Housekeeping 12

Housekeeping Schedule 13

Cleaning Plan 14

Linen Control 16

Labour Contracts 17

Acts That Apply To The Hospitality Industry 19

The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill 20

The Liquor Act 21

Bibliography 23

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Introduction

This assignment consists of three main parts – the research; which is on My Pond Hotel. It

includes the star rating of the hotel and the ways in which different establishments may be

classified. The Houskeeping Department which includes the cleaning plan and linen control for

the hotel. And the types of labour contracts that could be used while setting up a Rooms

Division Department. Research was also done on the new Tobacco Law as well as the rules

regarding Liquor Licenses.

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CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS

There are many different ways in which a hotel can be classified. Classification can be based on the type

of grading it has (Star grading). Hotels are also classified based on location (motels, suburban hotels,

airport hotels); based on size of property (small hotel, medium sized, large hotel); based on the level of

service (luxury hotels, budget hotels); based on length of stay (transient hotels, residential hotels);

based on theme (Heritage hotels, Ecotels, Boutique hotels); based on target market (resorts, convention

hotels, casino hotels) and so on. I personally think that using the star grading system is one of the best

ways to classify a hotel. Though there are a few cons to using this technique.

There is no real international hotel ratings system. Ratings of hotels in different countries, if they exist,

typically come from the government or quasi-government sources, independent ratings agencies or

sometimes the hotel operators themselves. The problem with that is some of those star gradings are

accepted globally whereas some are not. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

For example: In France: The government conducts a star rating system ranging from one-star for simple

accommodation to four-star for a deluxe hotel. Hotels in Germany and some Scandinavian countries

have a one- to five-star rating, which the government reviews every three years. In Britain – the

Automobile Association (AA), Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and English Tourist Board have agreed to a

standardized hotel rating system. Hotels in South America are typically granted a star ranking from the

government tourism ministry at the date of the hotel's opening, which may not be modified as the

property ages.

This does create a bit of a problem and the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the World

Trade Organization (WTO) met in 1998 to jointly discuss harmonizing hospitality standards. However,

the delegation got only so far as to recommend that standards be set in key areas of housekeeping,

front office, and food and beverage but nothing was implemented. Similarly, the European Union

addressed the issue at a Forum in December 2002, but no definitive steps have since been taken

towards creating a European-wide hotel standards system.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) is responsible for the quality control of hotels in

the country. It employs a five-star grading system and, to ensure credibility and independence, a

feedback mechanism to monitor customer expectations.

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MY POND HOTEL – CLASSIFICATION

My Pond Hotel is located at Van Der Riet Street, Port Aflred in South Africa. It is situated right at the

centre of town; within walking distance to the shopping centre and is close to most of the businesses as

well; which is why one may classify it based on location – city centre. It can be considered as an Ecotel or

Eco Hotel – since it is the first and only hotel in the vicinity that uses geothermal energy for heating

purposes. Also the theme of the Pond can be seen throughout the hotel; whether it’s the logo, the

carpets in the lobby, the restaurant as well as the paintings. Looking at its size; it has only 17 rooms –

the obvious conclusion can be made that it is a small hotel. My Pond Hotel – though having 7 suites;

giving the guests an overall excellent service, cannot be really considered a luxury hotel as that would

put it on par with the Hitlon Hotels or The Grand Hyatt. It is more of a mid market hotel that offers its

services to the upper middle and middle class if one can put it that way. It is definitely a transient hotel

as guests usually do not stay for more than 3 odd days and some may just come in while on the way to

another town.

My Pond is four star hotel – graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Star grading is an

independent assessment of what guests can expect to find at an accommodation establishment or

conference venue. It’s based on the overall quality and takes into account the facilities one would

expect to accompany a particular star grading.

There are certain criterion that need to be fulfilled for a hotel to get a four star grading – the building

exterior, bedrooms, bathrooms, public areas, dining facilities, food and beverage, service and services as

well as the housekeeping are the departments on which hotels are graded. For a four star grading: My

Pond Hotel should have received an overall score of 85% to 94%. Only one item is allowed to score a 7.

All the rest need to have been 8 or more. All the service elements need to score 8 or above.

Even in these departments there are quite a few other sub-parts that need to be considered, but giving

a broad overview of how the Hotel could have been graded:

The Exterior (This includes the Appearance of the Buildings, the Grounds and Gardens and the Parking):

My Pond is a new hotel; it is only about 5 months old. Therefore, the building is obviously new and well

kept; without any weathering or spoilt paintwork. Since it isn’t that big and doesn’t have a ground as

such – though the land by the river is green and well kept alongwith a small fountain and some

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sculptures which keep it with the Pond theme; whatever little it has is maintained very well. It has the

needed external lighting, as well as proper signage. The Hotel has adequate parking space for its size,

which is well lit as well as secure. Overall this department would score an 8 or 8 and a half.

The Bedrooms (Includes the décor, flooring, accessories, spaciousness, linen, temperature and lighting):

Each of the 17 bedrooms are in perfect sync with the overall theme of the Hotel, with lovely paintings in

every room. The overall furniture and furnishings are in good condition and don’t have any stains. The

ceilings and the floor are well taken care of. No water leakages or signs of sagging. There are very few

signs of misuse when it comes to the overall bedroom – the main being that the carpets are a little

flattened, though only the suites are carpeted and the rest of the rooms have wooden floors, but very

professionally done. Lights in the rooms are all in the right places and in perfect order; placed well

enough to show off the paintings and other decorative items to an advantage. The suites are very

spacious and the other rooms are not that bad considering they can accommodate the desk, one chair

and the other necessities. The only thing that would receive a 7 in this would be the temperature

control – all rooms have air conditioners – but they make a lot of noise and are a little obstructive as

well.

The Bathrooms: These have more or less the same sub-parts as the above. Tiles and flooring are well

fitted. The fixtures in the bathrooms are in good order, no stains or signs of damage anywhere. Every

room has either a bath or a shower – all well taken care of. Each room gets two big towels, and two

hand towels. Bath robes are only provided for the suites. Guests have to ask for shower caps, but they

are available. Every bathroom has one bottle of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and face wash; along

with soap. No toothbrushes or toothpaste. The toilet paper is of good quality. Towels are changed every

day or according to guests preferences. There are heated towel racks as well. Looking at size – every

bathroom is according to the room – but none are too small or compact; enough space for two people

together (which is a good thing.) Windows and blinds comprise of the ventilation. This department could

score an 8 or half more.

Public Areas: All the other areas inside the building which are accessible to guests are evaluated under

this section – corridors, conference rooms, public toilets, reception, the lounge area. The décor is in

perfect co-ordination with its theme. The Hotel has a comfortable and relaxed feel. Furniture is in good

condition. No immediate signs of wear and tear. One thing that one could complain of is that there are

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only two bathrooms – one male and one female. But on the other hand they also have a bathroom for

the invalid. This area would score an overall 8.

Dining Facilities: The restaurant is in theme with the rest of the hotel. Overall experience is a good one.

Though there are a few hang ups. The first would be that it cannot seat more than 40 people and even

that would be a bit of a squeeze. The bar and the restaurant share the same space; which makes it a

little noisy at times. They do not have a very professional presentation when it comes to setting the

table and so on; don’t really use crystal or silver cutlery and crockery and the things that they do use

have seen better days. But on the other hand the ambience is perfect, the menu is presented in a very

informative and profession manner with the wine list being quite descriptive.

Food and Beverage (Presentation, Quality): In terms of quality, this department would score a 9 – Fresh

ingredients, an interesting style and a balanced menu with constant innovations. The presentation is

good as well, but could be improved.

Services and Service (check –in/check out, porters, room service, information): The services provided at

My Pond are actually very good. The employees are friendly and helpful. Every room has an information

pamphlet. The lounge area has pamphlets of all the interesting tourist spots. The porters are smart and

ready to help; though they also act as odd job men so are not always prompt. Room service can take a

little longer than necessary at times. But overall, what the employees lack in skill they make up in effort

and make sure that the guest is comfortable. This department would probably score an overall 9.

Housekeeping: This is the best department in the whole hotel. The employees are efficient. Rooms are

always cleaned on time. Public areas are tidy and swept throughout the day. The Public Bathrooms are

checked on at an interval of an hour. Staff are well dressed – one does not really see them work; it’s like

magic. This department would score a 9.

An important thing that one needs to keep in mind is that a star grading should be ideally done by a

highly experienced individual. This is just an overview of some of the things that are looked at while

grading a hotel.

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FACILITIES

My Pond Hotel is a very comfortably decorated first class hotel. It has 17 rooms in total. One may order

drinks in the room or in the lounge area. One does not need to walk more than one flight of stairs to

reach to the rooms. The Hotel offers laundry service to its guests. There is wheelchair access as well. All

the rooms have temperature control units. The rooms have a bathroom with a private shower and

toilet, hairdryers, writing pads. Every room has an arm chair; the suites having more than one; desks and

a chair. The rooms have LCD screen televisions that have 5 channels on them. An I-pod Charger is

attached in most of the rooms Extra sockets to power laptops or other appliances. The hotel is WiFi

connected. The password is given upon request. The curtains and blinds make sure that the sunlight is

blocked. There are safes in every room where guests can store their valuables. The rooms have

storage/luggage space and a fridge. They also have tea, coffee and a water heater/kettle in the rooms.

Room service is available to the guests till 11 p.m. Apart from these basic things that make up a four star

hotel.

My Pond also offers conference facilities. The conference room can seat a maximum of 60 people. It

consists of a Lapel mic, a 51 inch plasma screen, surround sound, lights, DVD, DSTV HD Television. The

conference room has its own separate bathrooms. This is not only used for business purposes; guests

may come and watch a game of rugby if they choose. The hotel organizes wedding parties in the

conference room as well.

The hotel has a small swimming pool; which is heated by the geothermal unit.

The hotel has a spa and gym – but these are outsourced. It is on the property itself. Guests may avail

these facilities if they choose.

My Pond Hotel has a banqueting facility. The restaurant “Etare”; handles all of the F&B for the hotel.

The bar is part of the restaurant as well. This is visited not only by the in-house guests but others as well.

Both the restaurant and the conference are connected through a small garden – “Tea Garden”; where

guests like to relax; and they open out to the Kowie River. The Hotel has made seating arrangements

outside and thus one can sit and contemplate on life while having a drink by the river.

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MARKET SEGMENTATION

Market segmentation involves dividing customers into groups (market segments) with common

characteristics. There are a few methods through which one may differentiate between the types of

market that a hotel is catering to.

On the basis of Geographic Segmentation – My Pond is more focused on regional and national guests.

The main reason for that being that South Africa is not that large a country and there are always people

travelling through. It could be for business or pleasure. The Eastern Cape has a lot to offer. Not that

there are no international tourists, but the main focus of the hotel is on the many local and national

guests.

On the basis of Demographic Segmentation – My Pond caters to the upper middle and business class

people. Port Alfred being a small quiet town; it usually has a lot of the older generation coming in, which

My Pond makes sure to accommodate.

Based on Psychographic Segmentation – As stated earlier the customers My Pond attracts have the

money to spend and are educated enough to appreciate the level of service they get. They don’t mind

asking for what they want and expect it. My Pond is for the people and businesses that are

environmentally conscious and want to make a difference in their own little way. It is a green hotel after

all.

Based on Behavioral Segmentation – The hotel wants people to come and celebrate birthdays,

anniversaries, weddings; celebrate life! It is not only focused on conventions or travelling businessmen

but also a way in which a family may bond.

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RATES

Every hotel charges different rates for the services they offer. Not all the rooms are charged the same.

There may be concessions for groups or even at the managers’ discretion. There are various

components to keep in mind while deciding the rate – depending on whether it is peak season; situation

of the market – like the recession; a lot of hotels have had to cut down due to this; star rating of the

hotel and so on. Having different rates, and in the event of less rooms being sold; makes a difference

overall as through this the hotel opens up its potential customers and does not restrict itself to just one

market segment.

The Rates decided by My Pond Hotel are as follows:

Room Rates: There are 10 standard rooms and 7 suites. All are charged differently. Off season or the

rack rate is applicable from the 15th of January till the 15th of December. High Season or Peak rate is

applicable from the 15th of December till the 15th of January. At this time there are no discounts on

rooms at all.

Private Conference: For conferences which may or may not have guests staying at the hotel. This could

even be a full day long conference or half a day. Prices also depend on whether it is in the afternoon or

in the evening, as well as on what package the organizers decide to opt for.

Group Rates: This is for big groups that stay at the hotel; usually together and for the same reason.

These rates are negotiated with travel agents and are upto the hotel’s discretion. These rates also

depend on the duration of the stay.

Corporate rates: These are for businessmen that travel through at various times of the year. The

company may have an agreement with the hotel regarding this, though if the hotel considers them

important they usually give them a different rate. Also, since My Pond has KFC stock owners as some of

its investors – businessmen coming through to check and handle KFC get different rates at the hotel

which again is a private agreement.

Packages: There are different packages available at My Pond – some of them being a Honeymoon

package, and a golfing getaway. These are more like group rates in principal, but don’t really depend on

the travel agencies.

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Functions and Events: For weddings, fashion shows and other functions; My Pond offers a variety of

rates depending on the customers’ budget and preference.

The rates that the hotel offers are well suited to the services provided. One major thing to keep in mind

is that sometimes for frequent customers and if it is not the peak season – the manager does tend to

upgrade the rooms and offer a few complimentary treats. Though, to reiterate that is at the managers’

discretion.

UNIQUE SELLING POINTS OF MY POND HOTEL

Go Green! – My Pond is a Green Hotel. This is one of the most important Unique Selling Point’s (USP’s)

of the hotel. It very proudly advertises this and the staff at the hotel are keen to explain the workings of

the hotel – whether to guests or just the curious. The business cards, invoices, writing pads and other

correspondence are printed on Reviva Plus; which is a 100% recycled paper. The laundry bags are made

from calico; which is 100% natural cotton that is a renewable and recyclable resource. My Pond uses

geothermal energy – heat energy from the Earth – for central heating and cooling as well as water and

pool heating purposes. During the heating cycle, a Water Furnace geothermal system uses the earth

loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a

conventional duct system as warm air. The same heat energy can also be used for a radiant floor system

or domestic hot water heating. In the cooling process; this system is just reversed. Instead of extracting

heat from the ground, it is just extracted from the room and either moved back into the earth loop or

used to preheat water in the hot water tank. Due to this system there is no emittance of carbon

monoxide or other greenhouse gases (which contribute majorly towards environmental pollution). This

is a very interesting concept and as of now it provides about 75% of the heating of the hotel. For the

environmentally conscious people and organizations of today’s age; this makes a very big impact while

choosing a hotel. Also, this is the only hotel in the area that uses this system which gives it an edge over

its competition

Service – One of the other USP’s of the hotel is it’s personalized service. The staff and the service

provided at the hotel are very good. My Pond Hotel makes the guests feel comfortable; the staff are

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always there to assist patrons. The ambience at the hotel is very calm and serene. The Hotel targets not

only its corporate clients; but wants to be known as the place where one can bring the family as well – a

mix of business and pleasure. For example: When a guest comes for a convention; his family can stay at

the hotel as well; day care facilities are provided, the spouse can do other things and basically it is a

place where everyone is welcome and appreciated.

Location – My Pond is located strategically at the centre of town. One of the factors that makes it more

appealing is the fact that it is right on the Kowie River. The suites face the river and have a beautiful

view, guests may sit and have a drink or their meal sitting by the river on wooden benches. There is

something about humans and the elements of nature – it is always a treat to be able to feel at peace

and one with nature.

Star Rating – My Pond Hotel is the only 4 star hotel in Port Alfred, the other being Fish River Sun; which

is not exactly in town as such. Having a four star rating is not a small achievement; apart from someone

coming and rating the hotel, feedback of guests is also something that is considered. The other thing

being that My Pond needs to constantly strive to keep its service and facilities upto the mark so that it

may stay at that level. There are many people who give star ratings a lot of importance and this is where

My Pond can shine.

One can consider the above as the USP’s (Unique Selling Points) of the hotel as they are definitely

unique – being the only place that uses geothermal energy, the only four star hotel as well as having an

interesting location and excellent staff; and they are part of the main criteria that one would look at

while deciding on accommodation. This overall package of My Pond makes it very appealing to

prospective guests and patrons.

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HOUSEKEEPING

The housekeeping department of My Pond Hotel is in charge of cleaning all the 17 rooms (10 standard

rooms and 7 suites); the lobby area, the staircase, the reception area, the toilets and the conference

area. The restaurant and the kitchen areas are part of the Food and Beverage department.

If My Pond Hotel is 80% occupied, one may assume that 14 rooms are in use. At the moment, there are

3 ladies and the Executive Housekeeper that work full time and six days a week. One can safely say that

this is more than enough, since it is not a very large hotel. But, to be on the safer side – 2 more part time

employees should be considered so that during the days when the ladies are not able to come or need

time off – there isn’t too much stress on the rest.

The roster in the next page consists of a table, which has the employees and the days of the week. The

one thing that is interesting to note is that since the ladies work 6 days a week, they would rather work

a few days more and get 2 consecutive days off instead of random days. The roster shows that the days

when the Executive Housekeeper is off, the second in charge is working so that she can oversee the rest.

Once in two weeks every employee gets two consecutive days off to keep morale high.

The reason that Mondays and Fridays show more ladies working than the rest is that the Spring Cleaning

is done then and it is important to have as many hands as possible on those days. Also, the part time

employees are the ones who are still new, not employed on a contract, could also be students doing

internships at the hotel, and are not part of the fixed staff. They work less hours than the regular staff

and are sometimes are called when extra help is needed as well.

The Hotel does not have any housekeeping staff working night shifts. This is usually handled by the night

porter. Since the bar is closed after 11 p.m. and the restaurant closes by 10 p.m. the waiters take care of

room service till then. But most of the duties, as stated earlier, are done by the night porter; till the

housekeeping staff arrive; which is at 7 a.m.

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HOUSEKEEPING SCHEDULE: WEEK 1

POSITION/

PERSONMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Executive

HousekeeperOFF

Lady 1/

In chargeOFF

Lady 2 OFF

Lady 3 OFF

Part time:1 OFF OFF OFF Half Day OFF

Part time:2 OFF OFF OFF Half Day OFF

HOUSEKEEPING SCHEDULE: WEEK 2

POSITION/

PERSONMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Executive

HousekeeperOFF

Lady 1/

In chargeOFF OFF

Lady 2 OFF OFF

Lady 3 OFF

Part time:1 OFF Half Day OFF OFF

Part time:2 OFF Half Day OFF OFF

CLEANING PLAN

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My Pond Hotel outsources its laundry so the housekeeping department does not have that responsibility. There

are 3 full time ladies along with 2 part time workers and the Executive Housekeeper.

Taking into consideration that each employee cleans 6 rooms in a day; takes an average of 45 minutes to clean a

room (the standard rooms being less time consuming) and there being 3 ladies on duty on an average day. The

day begins at 7 a.m. and goes on till 4 p.m. The table below gives a brief overview of the time scale.

TIMES STAFF AREA TIMESCALE

7 am to 9 am 3 ladiesLobby, Staircase, Hallways, Reception,

(All Public areas)2 hours

9 am to 2 pm 17 Rooms 45 minutes per room

2pm to 4 pm Public Areas, toilets, conference room 2 hours

A lot of people consider the best and optimal working department of My Pond Hotel as the Housekeeping

Department.

Spring Cleaning is done every Monday or a Friday – depending on how much time is available. This means that

all the windows are washed, the fridge in the room is moved and dusted, the wooden floors are polished, the

staircase and other fittings are polished as well. The windows at the Entrance of the hotel are cleaned, as well as

in the conference room. Stock check for guest room amenities is done every Monday. Mondays are usually

better as people usually check out by then and there is adequate time to do a thorough cleaning of all the rooms

and areas.

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The day starts with the employees cleaning all the public areas of the hotel – vacuuming and mopping. The

ladies work from 7 a.m. till 4 p.m. – it is a 9 hour shift in which they get a 15 minute break for coffee and a 45

minute lunch break. One needs to keep in mind that the break timings can change if the work is not completed

on time and if there are any other unforeseen circumstances.

The rooms are cleaned every day. If a guest stays in a room for more than 2 days – then their linen is changed.

Mattresses are turned once a month. Each mattress is dated and marked so that one may check whether it has

been turned or not. The old mattresses are either sold or used to discount new ones.

The lobby is checked in the morning as well as the afternoon and cleaned – sometimes is done thrice in a day; if

it’s raining.

The Executive Housekeeper does her rounds to check whether the rooms are cleaned well and if anything is

missing. Also, at the end of the day – the rooms that are to receive guests are prepared accordingly; with

weather cards and any other special orders.

The cleaning products that are used are as follows:

For the Windows – WindowKleen Toilet Cleaner – Kleer Bowl Floor, Bath and Wall cleaner – Geo Solve Universal Cleaner Floor wax – vinegar and water (shine)

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LINEN CONTROL

Linen is changed in guest rooms if they stay for more than two days; or if specifically asked. The hand towels are

sent for laundry every day. The main factors that influence the frequency of linen is the arrival and departure of

guests.

One par of linen equals to the total number of each type of linen that is needed to outfit all guestrooms at one

time. There are three things that need to be kept in mind while establishing a par number for linens:

Laundry cycle – internal or external Replacement linens of re-wash, damaged, lost or stolen linen – 10% Emergency situations

For example: the total number of mattress covers that My Pond Hotel needs so that all the guest rooms are in

order: 22

One par in guest rooms = 1*22 = 22

One par in linen closet = 1*22 = 22

One par in laundry = 1*22 = 22

One par in replacement = 1*22 = 22

Total number: 88 covers/22 covers/par = 4 par.

Total number of Bed Covers: 88/22 = 4par

Total number of Bed Sheets: 88/22 = 4par

Total number of Duvet Covers: 88/22 = 4par

Total number of Hand Towels: 592 /148 = 4 par.

Total number of bath mats: 68 /17 = 4 par.

Total number of Towels: 136/34 = 4 par

Total number of Pillow Cases: 408/102 = 4 par

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LABOUR CONTRACTS

There are two basic types of contracts – indefinite and fixed term contracts.

Indefinite contracts – Most employment contracts are indefinite contracts. This means that when a

worker starts working for the employer, no-one knows when the contract will end. An indefinite

contract can only be ended in the following ways:

by dismissal

by cancellation of the contract by the worker or the organization.

Fixed-term contracts – If the worker and the employer both agree at the start of the contract when that

contract is going to end, then it is a fixed-term contract.

This type of contract is usually applicable to seasonal and contract workers. Though there are many

employees who take advantage of this contract purely as a means of evading their statutory obligations

in terms of the BCEA and the LRA (The Labor Relations Act) and the EEA (Employment Equity Act), and

also to save money by denying the employee the opportunity of pension/provident fund benefits and

also medical aid benefits.

Labour Relations Act (LRA) - The Labour Relations Act applies to all employers, workers, trade unions and

employers' organisations, but does not apply to - members of the National Defence Force; National

Intelligence Agency; or South African Secret Service. The Act aims to advance economic development,

social justice, labour peace and democracy in the workplace.

The Employment Equity Act (EEA) - The Employment Equity Act is set down to create equal opportunity

and fair treatment in the workplace. In doing so, previous disadvantage is redressed and unfair

discrimination removed.

When starting the Rooms Division Department in a hotel; the higher positions – Rooms Division

Manager, Executive Houskeeper and Front Office Manager – should ideally be on an Indefinite Contract.

The room attendants may be sourced through an agency, or hired based on recommendations; and

would require a fixed contract. After the first term is over and if the employees are needed by the

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organization they may then put them on an Indefinite Contract. Keeping them on a fixed contract at the

beginning is a good idea – since it is a new department and one cannot really judge the employees. It is

a better option as the management need not pay any benefits through this contract.

Hotels usually follow the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) on work conditions. This Act states

that anyone who works for an employer - whether they are full-time, contractors or temporary workers

- must receive a document containing certain information regarding the conditions of their employment.

A contract can take the form of a letter of appointment or one can create something more formal and

suited to the business. Information that must appear in an employment contract includes:

Employer and worker Details

Employer's full name

Employer's address

Worker's name

Worker's occupation, or a brief description of the work

Employment details

Place of work

Date of employment

Working hours and days of work

Payment details

Salary or wage, or the rate and method of calculating wages

Rate for overtime

Any other cash payments

Any payments in kind and their value

Frequency of payment

Any deductions

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Leave

Any leave to which the worker is entitled.

Notice/contract period

Period of notice required for termination or

Period of contract

The employment document needs to be updated and a new copy needs to be given to the employees

when:

The law changes

The employer and the employee agree to changes in the terms and conditions

The employee's pay or benefits are increased. In this regards, one can simply add a

supplementary letter to the original contract

ACTS THAT APPLY TO THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Occupational Health and Safety Act – The Occupational Health and Safety Act aims to provide for the

health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the

activities of persons at work and to establish an advisory council for occupational health and safety.

5 employees or more = First Aid Box

10 employees or more = Qualified First aider

20 or more employees = One health and safety representative

Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Deceases Act – This act deals with injuries, disablement,

disease and death caused by work-related activities. It applies to all employers, casual and full-time

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workers who, as a result of a workplace accident or work-related disease, are injured, disabled, killed or

become ill.

Employment Equity Act – This Act aims to promote and achieve equity in the workplace, by encouraging

equal opportunity among all workers. The provisions for affirmative action apply to:

Employers with 50 or more workers, or whose annual income is more than a certain amount.

Municipalities

Organs of State

Employers ordered to comply by a bargaining council agreement

Any employers who volunteer to comply

The Sectoral Determination for the Hospitality Industry – The Sectoral Determination also looks after the

rights of employees in the hospitality industry with regards to minimum wage, for example.

Where more than 10 employees are employed, the minimum wage is R1650 per month (R380-80 per

week). The parties may, however, enter into a written agreement that the employee be paid an hourly

rate. The parties may also agree in writing that the employee be paid on a commission basis, but the

employer may not pay the employee less than the prescribed minimum wage for the period worked.

THE TOBACCO PRODUCTS CONTROL AMENDMENT BILL 2006 (SECTION 2):

Increases the fine for the owner/manager of a public place who allows smoking in a prohibited

area.

Adds a penalty for an individual who smokes in a public place.

Prohibits smoking in private dwellings if they are used for commercial childcare activities.

Prohibits smoking within a prescribed distance of the entrance to a public place.

Prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from being present in an area where smoking is permitted.

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Regulates smoking in specified outdoor areas

Protects workers from exposure to tobacco smoke pollution.

The maximum fine for owners of public venues who don’t follow the letter of the law – and that

includes posting clear signs indicating smoking areas – goes up from R200, to R50 000.

Employers who flout the law can be fined R100 000.

In adherence to the Amendment of Section 2 of Act 83; My Pond Hotel has a specific area allocated for

smoking. Smoking is prohibited inside the building (no smoking in the rooms). The tea garden and the

outside of the hotel are the areas where one may smoke. These are uncovered and out in the open.

They constitute of less than 25% of the total floor space (according to the Bill). There are signs inside the

building which clearly state that it is a non-smoking zone.

NO. 59 OF 2003: LIQUOR ACT, 2003

The Liquor Act applies to all manufacturing or distribution of liquor or methylated spirits, and to the

regulation of impotable (undrinkable) substances.

Hotel liquor licenses are obtained for the sale of liquor for consumption on licensed premises

Applications for this licence must be directed to the provincial liquor board, which must consider the

application. A plan of the premises on which the liquor will be sold if the licence is granted must be sent

in with the application. The board may refuse or grant the application.

The following people may not be granted a liquor licence at all:

Persons (or their spouses) who were sentenced less than 10 years earlier to imprisonment

without the option of a fine, unless the offence does not imply unsuitability to hold a liquor

licence, or the sentence has been set aside by a court, or the applicant has been granted

amnesty or a free pardon;

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Certain persons (or their spouses) who less than 10 years earlier have twice been convicted of

liquor offences;

Unrehabilitated insolvents or their spouses;

Persons who are minors when the application is being considered.

Moreover, if one of these persons has a controlling interest in a company, a trust, or is a partner in a

partnership, or is the main beneficiary under a trust, the company, close corporation, trust or

partnership concerned may also not be granted a liquor licence.

A licence granted by the board will specify the type of liquor that may be sold; it may also be subject to

conditions imposed by the board in its discretion, including a condition that liquor may not be supplied

on a certain part of the licensed premises. Liquor may not falsely be described as being of a particular

kind or brand or as being of a specific person's manufacture.

The licence must be renewed each year on payment in advance (by 31 December of the previous year),

of the prescribed fee. If this fee is not paid for the next year, the licence lapses on 31 December.

However, the licence again becomes valid, from the date on which it lapsed, if the fees plus a 50 per

cent surcharge are paid not later than 31 January of the year to which the fees relate, or if the fees as

well as a surcharge of 100 per cent are paid not later than 28 February of that year.

The board may suspend or withdraw a licence to operate a bar in response to a complaint or objection

to a licence by a person ordinarily resident in the district in which the bar is situated or by another

licensee who carries on business in the same district.

The holder of every licence for the consumption of liquor on the licensed premises (known as an 'on-

consumption licence') must ensure that liquor sold is consumed on the licensed premises. Holders of

hotel liquor licences must at all times have wine, brandy and beer available for sale to the public in

reasonable quantities.

When granting a licence, the board or a magistrate may subject different parts of licensed premises to

restrictions as to what drinks can be served there. For instance, spirits may have to be served in a bar

but may not be served in an adjoining open-air beer garden.

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Hotels may, however, sell liquor to their guests on any “closed days” (Sundays, Christmas), except in

restricted parts of the premises. Persons who are not lodgers at the hotel may also be supplied with

liquor on those days, but only if the liquor is supplied outside a restricted part of the premises and

together with a meal purchased on the premises for consumption with, immediately before, or

immediately after the liquor.

On days other than closed days, hotel lodgers or their guests may be supplied with liquor at any time,

but the holder of a hotel liquor licence may sell liquor to other persons only between 10am and 2am of

the following day. Meals must be available and regularly served.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa - http://www.stargradingsa.co.za/?

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Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism, 3e - Philip Kotler, John Bowen, James Makens (©2003

Pearson Education, Inc.)

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http://business.learnhub.com/lesson/2910-business-basics-6b-market-determination

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http://southafrica.smetoolkit.org/sa/en/content/en/5331/The-employment-contract

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http://southafrica.smetoolkit.org/sa/en/content/en/4135/Compliance-in-the-hospitality-

industry

http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-1952-1978,40489.asp

http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/bills/tpcab.pdf

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http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/pubs/acts/prov/2003/86046

http://www.legalcity.net/Index.cfm?fuseaction=RIGHTS.article&ArticleID=2507744