Labour Court says catering orders apply to Butlers Chocolates outlets

The Labour Court was satisfied that catering Joint Labour Committees operated in respect of Butlers Chocolates Limited and that Employment Regulation Orders applied to the company. The National Employment Rights Authority (Nera) appeared in the case after asserting that some outlets came within the committees and orders. Butlers argued that its seated cafés were not primarily used to supply food and drink for consumption on site, pointing to sales dominated by takeaway items. The Court concluded that the seating areas were primarily used for on-site consumption. It also found that staff preparing coffee and serving food and drink were engaged in the regulated services, and that the overall sales breakdown was not relevant. The decision was signed on 4 September 2009.