The hospitality sector can have its say by taking part in Red Tape Challenge

The Government's Red Tape Challenge website will publish today with all of the existing legislation relating to the food, drink and hospitality industry plus general laws relating to employment, environment, law and health and safety. Individuals and companies then have a two week opportunity to comment on which regulations they think should be kept, which could be amended and which should be scrapped altogether. FDF director of communications Terry Jones said: "The food and drink industry is one of the most closely regulated industries in the UK and as its products are used daily by consumers we agree that reasonable controls are necessary. "But we've reached a point where regulation is stifling our ability to innovate, to maintain competitive advantage at home and abroad and to create the employment flexibility that is critical to a hi-tech and fast-moving manufacturing industry. "This is a chance for members to tell Government what doesn't, and equally what does, work. If Whitehall officials can't provide a good enough reason for a regulation to be in place, it could be scrapped. There is only a two week window of opportunity to comment on the regulations that affect the food and drink sector." To take part in the challenge visit http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/about/.