Some peeved party patron(s) ought to call on the Fair Trading Commission to investigate misleading advertising by the organisers of several so-called 'premium inclusive' parties. Patrons are being bamboozled left, right and centre as they are reeled in by the 'premium cuisine inclusive' tag at a premium price, only to find that the fare on offer is nothing but fried chicken and curried goat.
One case in point is the recently held Daydreams all-white soirée at Solaris Estate in St Thomas. Admission price tag for this wallop stood at a whopping $4,000 per person, with only little curry goat, chicken and white rice on the menu. Surely, such modest provisions could not have been the 'premium' smorgasbord promised by the Daydreams ads.
Even those parties which would typically roll out a spread fit for a king have, in recent times, been scrounging. For instance, over the just passed holidays, party promoters had a field day. While not as gross as Daydreams, the Absinthe party held at Temple Hall, in Stony Hill, also failed to live up to its usual menu choices. And, patrons are still griping about being short-changed at the summer edition of the Osmosis party.
Yes! Yes! It's a cheap quarrel over food, girt notwithstanding. But it's the principle involved that is at stake. Persons should not be allowed to enrich themselves by taking others for a ride. It's cheating to set tickets at $4,000 and upwards with promises of lavishness, then in reality supply the basics. For those inclusive parties that offer the bare essentials, ticket prices are usually much lower, as they should be.
The solution lies in the practice employed by some whereby entire menus are advertised on fliers and in radio ads.
Then, there is the other sticking point - that practice where enough is not provided and supposed inclusive parties run out of drinks and meals in short order. An all-inclusive party set at a premium admission price should be stocked with enough provisions to last all night, especially since most patrons arrive late.
Prior to the recession, premium-inclusive parties used to be mini-food festivals. But the worldwide economic downturn has led to scrimping in every corner. All the same, this new emphasis on the cuisine at parties is robbing the events of the dancing that should be at the centre of activities.
Prior to the recession, premium-inclusive parties used to be mini-food festivals. But the worldwide economic downturn has led to scrimping in every corner. All the same, this new emphasis on the cuisine at parties is robbing the events of the dancing that should be at the centre of activities.
SOURCE: jamaica-gleaner.com
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That is a lot of money spent in one night!
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