CATERING AND FUNCTIONS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF THE ELEVENTH MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2000 AT 12.00 NOON
IN ROOM 106
Present: Sir John Gorman
Ms J Morrice
Ms M Gildernew
In the Chair: Sir John Gorman
In Attendance: Mr T Evans, Miss C Nolan, Mr J Floyd
Apologies: Mr PJ Bradley, Mr P Berry
1. Minutes of the eighth, ninth and tenth meetings were accepted.
2. MATTERS ARISING
There were no items discussed.
3. DELOITTE AND TOUCHE REPORT
The purpose of the meeting was to consider the key recommendations of the report.
3.1 Delivery Options
Members agreed that the catering service should remain outsourced and that the existing Mount Charles contract should be extended for 12-18 months.
3.2 Shop
Members agreed that the layout of the new shop needs to be examined and that responsibility for the development of the shop should rest with the Gift Shop Committee or could be remitted to the Catering and Functions Committee.
3.3 Pricing Policy
Members agreed that a pricing policy needed to be developed mirroring existing Westminster Policies.
3.4 Financial Information
Mr Floyd informed the group that the proforma recommended by Deloitte and Touches is in current operation. Statements are being collected on a monthly basis.
3.5 Basement Restaurant
Mr Floyd updated members on the new restaurant area located in the basement which will be used as a tours facility.
3.6 Members' Dining Room
Members agreed with the recommendation that the Members' dining room should be split (initially on a 50 / 50 basis).
Ms Morrice highlighted concerns over the additional price costs for Members. Members felt that an initial increase of 25% would be fairer with a rise to 50% over a set period of time and in line with evaluation of services.
3.7 Members' Coffee Lounge
Mr Floyd informed Members that these recommendations were already in place.
3.8 Members' Bar
Members were in agreement with the report recommendations.
3.9 Function Facilities
Members supported the recommendations set out in the report.
3.10 Press Bar
Members agreed with recommendations but felt that a needs analysis survey should be conducted to trawl the views of staff.
Ms Morrice proposed that the Commission examine the possibility of extending the Press Bar out into the courtyard.
Ms Gildernew felt that marketing and renaming of the bar needed to be considered in order to create a more user friendly atmosphere.
4. PRESENTATION OF REPORT TO THE COMMISSION
4.1 Mr Evans to write a draft report on the key recommendations and the Committee's views on the individual recommendations. The draft report to be circulated to all committee members for comment with the approved report going to the Commission meeting on 18 October.
5. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
Meeting with the Assembly Commission on 18 October 2000.
TOM EVANS
Room 103
26 June 2000 / Menu / 12 February 2001