Holidays Act bites into profits

Be prepared for less choice than usual if you are planning on going out for a drink or a meal over Easter.

Around two thirds of pubs and restaurants may be closed at some stage over the long weekend.

The Hospitality Association blames the new Holidays Act, which provides time-and-a-half and a day off in lieu for those who work public holidays.

Chief executive Bruce Robertson says businesses have to be economic to survive.

He says the industry is making a commercial decision that it is not viable to be open on public holidays because of the extra costs involved.

- NEWSTALK ZB