#BeKindToHospitality campaign goes national

A group of hospitality operators, led by Radisson RED curator Graham Chalmer, has expanded the #bekindtohospitality campaign across the UK.

Those putting their names behind the campaign now include Sacha Lord (pictured above), Peter Hook and UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls, as well as Glasgow restaurants Cail Bruich and The Gannet.

The #bekindtohospitality campaign was started by Chalmers (pictured below) in a bid to encourage members of the public to keep in mind that hospitality workers are faced by the same 'crippling anxieties and stresses' as the customers they’re serving.

The campaign asks guests to be kind, patient and understand that staff are doing their best, while following strict rules. The aim is to improve the experience of hospitality workers already working under very stressful conditions.

“As the majority of the UK enjoys new-found freedom to varying degrees, please spare a thought for those of us still operating under crippling restrictions," says Chalmers.

“Of course, safety is and always has been the priority, that goes without saying – but the impact on many businesses of the ongoing uncertainty and spiralling costs is devastating.

“For example, the sheer volume of no-shows at restaurants and bars across the UK is having a devastating impact on businesses – to the point some are wondering if they can continue to stay open.

“If you book a table, please turn up – or at least call to let them know you’re not coming so they can offer it to someone else. It’s a tiny thing, a two-minute call, but it can make the difference between a venue surviving or not.

“At Radisson RED Glasgow we are lucky to have incredibly supportive owners but not all hospitality businesses are so fortunate or they are simply not in a position to weather the long, long storms – some have suffered massive cuts while others are struggling to keep operating at all… or have had to close their doors permanently.

“I fear for the future of many of these businesses and wonder exactly what will be left of the wider hospitality industry across the UK."

“This campaign appealed instantly because too many people are forgetting about the people behind the masks when they're out," adds Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester (pictured top). 

“We are all delighted hospitality is reopening properly but that doesn't mean the anxiety and stress for those working in the industry has gone – if anything it is worse in some cases as staff try to adjust to working in new ways, dealing with no-shows and people arguing about rules and just with their own concerns about being out in public.

"The message is be kind to everyone, including hospitality – that's all.” 

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