Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion Chief Executive Paul Barber yesterday felt compelled to apologise for the lack of foodservice available to matchday fans.
The apology was made on behalf of the football club and catering partner, Sodexo.
Barbour cited a number of reasons for the foodservice problems. Sodexo’s catering staff numbers being “over 40% lower than we would like”, alongside, “no access to our usual university student workforce”, and “recruitment agencies unable to supply people from other areas of the south of England”.
Like the BBC’s reporting of late, there was no mention of Brexit or ending free movement of people. Maybe Brighton & Hove Albion only previously employed UK nationals on matchday, highly unlikely, but clearly not worthy of mention.
Barbour also indicated there was frustration amongst match day fans with the outcome of long queues and slower service in both lounges and concourses. In an appeal directly to fans Barbour asked for understanding saying: “We need the staff we have to support us in the matches ahead, and not be put off from doing so due to abusive comments. Many are young and inexperienced, but are doing their best.
“We will be working with Sodexo between now and Leicester City’s visit to review our current operations, and to prepare a contingency plan to improve service during this period.
“In the meantime, you may not have as wide a choice of food or drink as you may like, and queues may be longer, but we would ask for your patience, and also support for our staff.”
As hospitality at sporting events like the rest of the industry attempts to deal with shortages, the need to mitigate frustration from customers seems to be evolving alongside in equal measure. Another unfortunate cost of ending free movement of people.
For a club synonymous with award winning matchday catering, it is quite some fall from grace.
The full apology can be seen on the Brighton & Hove Albion website.
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Hospitality & Catering News: Premier League CEO apologises to fans for lack of match day foodservice. – 30 August 2021 – Premier League CEO apologises to fans for lack of match day foodservice.
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