|
The owners of France's 60,000 bars, brasseries and
cafes have said poor service is driving customers away, and have promised
to do better.
"Customers are right to complain of a poor or non-existent welcome
and a lack of basic courtesy and reactivity," an industry spokesman said.
The number of cafes and customers has been dwindling as the number of
complaints has been growing, he added.
Also, busy customers have less time and do not drink as much, observers
say.
The number of French cafes has dropped from 150,000
to 60,000 in 15 years, said Andre Daguin, president of the French hotel
and catering
industry's main trade association, UMIH.
"Every year there are fewer people in the cafes and more and more
complaints," he said.
"We have to take criticisms into consideration and react, other the
haemorrhage will continue."
After a particularly difficult summer, the industry has decided to work
hard at attracting customers.
It will set up a new institute to tackle the problems and a charter of
quality to improve service, comfort levels, products and hygiene.
The project will be presented to the tourism minister next
month.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-09-17 11:05
