News Release Archive
GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION-SHERATON CASINO BREAKFAST
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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.
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Contact: Joseph Renzi 902-469-6160
jlw Dec. 11, 1995