British firm to assess quality of Jeddah hotels, restaurants

JEDDAH — Jeddah Mayoralty has contracted Check Safety First Group, a British company, to improve the hygienic condition and quality of service of hotels and restaurants in the city. The company will visit restaurants and hotels four times a year for assessment. To encourage restaurants and hotels to follow hygiene and safety guidelines, the ministry will award medals of excellence. Check Safety First officials will visit restaurants and hotels registered with the medal of excellence program. The first visit, which is free, checks whether they are complying with the conditions set by the ministry. A consultant will visit a firm four times annually to make sure it has taken measures to correct the observations of inspectors and improve classification. After the fourth visit, the restaurant or hotel will get an assessment report. If a firm receives high marks (86 to 100 percent) it will qualify for the medal of excellence. Annual charges for the program are fixed on the basis of the restaurant’s area. Firms having an area of less than 65 meters will be charged SR5,000, less than 150 meters SR10,000, less than 300 meters SR12,000, less than 500 meters SR14,000 and more than 500 meters SR16,000. Registered restaurants and hotels will be classified into six categories on the basis of their performance and quality of service. The Municipal and Rural Affairs Ministry has asked restaurants to establish a transparent wall between the kitchen and the eating hall to enable customers to see the preparation of food. In a circular distributed to municipalities and mayoralties, the ministry said that restaurants and other catering firms must be sealed if they fail to implement or partially implement Clause 13 of Article 9 of the Restaurants Law. According to Clause 13, restaurants and other catering centers should have a transparent wall separating the dining hall from kitchen; should follow the hygienic conditions in the building and other related facilities; and ensure safety of customers by supplying healthy food. They should have a suitable design and ensure continuous cleanliness and maintenance.