Warner Leisure Hotels has banned the consumption of alcohol by coach drivers at its hotels with immediate effect. CBW understands the matter has arisen owing to an incident involving an unknown operator and driver.
Asked by CBW for the reasons behind the move, the firm replied: “Warner Leisure Hotels has updated the policy’s terms and conditions with coach operators, which prohibits coach drivers from consuming any alcoholic beverage when escorting guests on holidays at any of our hotels, and it is up to the operators to enforce this with their employees. This is reinforced by recent drink driving analysis by the RAC Foundation which stated that a lower limit would save lives and prevent people being seriously injured.”
Drinks vouchers currently provided to drivers are being redesigned and will be used for the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks.
Warner Leisure Hotels said the ban, which only applies to drivers and not tour guides, will also be in force when drivers are not in uniform. The firm advised that if a driver is offered a drink by a guest, the driver should politely decline the offer, or request an alternative non-alcoholic drink.
Asked what Warner will do if a driver is seen drinking, the firm responded: “As a breach of contract will have taken place, the matter will be discussed with the relevant coach operator, who will be expected to take the appropriate action with the driver concerned. Our contract is with the coach operators, and it is for them to enforce with their employees.”
The hotel chain said that if drivers consume their own alcohol onto its premises, it is for the coach operator to enforce, “as the contract exists between them and Warner Leisure Hotels.”
