HOMEOWNERS who open their houses to guests during the summer months are costing approved bed and breakfast operators "at least £20 million" a year, it was claimed yesterday. Ms Mary McGee, chief executive of the Town and Country Homes Association, said there were now 12,000 unapproved B and Bs compared with 4,000 in the approved sector . . .
Ms McGee was speaking at the launch of a campaign to have statutory licensing of all tourist accommodation. The Irish Hotels' Federation, the Town and Country Homes Association and the Irish Farm Holidays Association have come together to lobby the Government and, in particular, the Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr Kenny.
They claim the growth in unapproved B and Bs stems from a relaxation in the law some years ago which allows a private house offering up to four bedrooms for rent to operate without planning permission.
Mr Pat McCann, president of the Irish Hotels Federation, acknowledged that the unapproved accommodation was cheaper and some achieved very high standards. However, Mr McCann added, the reason they were cheaper was that they were not subject to regulation in the areas of health, safety, taxation and planning requirements. "We welcome competition provided it is on an equal footing," he said.
The unapproved sector was creaming off the business in the summer months, Ms Eileen" McDonogh, chairwoman of the Irish Farm Holidays Association, claimed. "At the moment, the uncontrolled growth of B and Bs is thwarting the industry and the Government's efforts to extend the tourist season," Ms, McDonogh said.
Ms McGee warned that her members might be forced to opt out of the approval system entirely to create a competitive level playing field with the B and Bs that did not seek or need approval. This had clear implications for standards in the sector and the carefully nurtured image of quality in Irish tourism, she said.
The groups said the Exchequer was losing money through the growth of the unapproved B and Bs. "The approved sector has invested substantially over the years to meet the standard criteria laid down by safety, hygiene and other regulatory authorities. Safety measures such as fire alarms, fire exits, emergency lighting and proper food and hygiene facilities are standard prerequisites for any commercial operator frequented by the public," the group added. "It is incredulous (sic) to think that over 12,000 accommodation premises are not subject to such minimum controls of safety and hygiene."