It is difficult to believe there remains both MICE venues and in particular various types of organisers who cannot understand why their own caterer should not be allowed as a matter of general acceptance.
The ramifications of any MICE venue allowing the venue user – without strict rules and regulations – even if it is the local community hall – is on a one-way ticket to a whole heap of challenges.
If the MICE venue is under the impression that they are exonerated from all blame should there be a case of food poisoning or a gas cylinder leak – management had better think again.
However if a MICE venue lacks some prudence in this regard – below is a checklist of do’s & don’ts:
Do have rules and regulations for the caterer which cover:
- hygiene certification
- water and electricity payments
- set-up and breakdown requirements
- kitchen and non-kitchen use
- personnel entrance/exit
- safety certification
- damage assessment
- repair and maintenance clause
- liability in case of consumer complaints
Don’t allow: caterer entry to the premises without signed documentation and deposits as required
A MICE venue is well-advised to draw-up their own preferred list of caterers – with a range of varying types of cuisine including religious preferences inherent within some groups – based on the criteria being vetted in the first place as indicated.
Failure to apply caterers signed rules and regulations can prove exceptionally expensive for the MICE venue.
