MSP ENCOURAGES TOURISM SECTOR TO RESPOND TO FIRE REGULATIONS CONSULTATION

3.30.00pm GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, is today calling on all B&Bs, guest houses and self catering accommodation providers to respond to the Scottish Government's consultation on fire regulations for holiday accommodation.

The MSP's call comes following concerns from the tourist accommodation sector that the cost of implementing new fire safety measures could have a negative effect on tourism businesses in the South of Scotland.

Jim Hume said:

"Everyone understands the need for fire safety in any kind of accommodation, but the concern amongst many smaller holiday accommodation providers is that they will be asked to comply with disproportionate regulations which will also be applied to larger hotel style accommodation.

"The problem is that self catering letting businesses and larger guest houses or country house style premises for example may not have the ability to absorb the cost of any modifications as a result of these strict regulations and as such may choose to either cease trading or not bother expanding in the future. Simply put, the benefits of trading may very well be outweighed by the negatives.

"The South of Scotland has a great many of these types of tourist based enterprises, many of which are part of business diversification projects, and any regulations have to be proportionate to the risks.

"I am encouraging all tourism based companies to respond to the consultation."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The consultation ends on the 18th February 2010 and can be found at -

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/11/26164339/0