News Release Archive
GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION-SHERATON CASINO BREAKFAST ------------------------------------------------------------ Halifax Sheraton Casino's "free breakfast" promotion does not contravene the Nova Scotia Gaming Control Act and regulations, according to the Gaming Control Commission's director of investigation and enforcement, Joseph Renzi, who made the decision after reviewing the evidence collected during a week long investigation. Mr. Renzi said after evaluating the marketing concept being offered by the Sheraton entitled "Club 55 plus" he felt there wasn't a violation of the casino regulations particularly Section 30 (4) which states "a casino operator shall provide goods in a casino at reasonable prices which are not predatory or exploitive of local suppliers of similar goods." A letter indicating this decision has been delivered to both Denise Burns, managing director of the Restaurant Asssociation of Nova Scotia who filed a complaint with the commission and Mel Thomas, general manager of Sheraton Casinos Nova Scotia. Mr. Renzi said some of the key factors considered in the decision included the fact that there is a limited nature to the scope and timing of the promotion, evidence currently shows that the customer base is new and not being taken from other competitors, any revenue lost as a result of this initiative is small and it is not an unsual business practice to entice customers with giveaways for short periods. He said Canadian case law clearly defines "predatory" and in this instance he felt the Sheraton promotion does not fall within that legal interpretation. "As a result I am not satisified at this time there are reasonable grounds to find the Sheraton Casino in violation of the regulations," said Mr. Renzi. He said, however that under the Gaming Control Act, Ms. Burns can appeal the order, which would then be considered informally by the executive director or at a formal hearing before the commission. -30- Contact: Joseph Renzi 902-469-6160 jlw Dec. 11, 1995