Why the Michelin Guide is coming to New Zealand, but not Australia
Industry figures questioned Tourism Australia’s decision.
“We believe it’s time the Michelin Guide comes to Australia, and we’re perplexed at the tourism and trade ministers’ reluctance to invest in it,” said Wes Lambert, chief executive of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association
ARCA warns surcharge ban will ‘lift prices and kill choice’ for diners
“The original proposal to ban debit surcharges was already a burden—but the current proposals goes too far, too fast,” said ARCA CEO Wes Lambert. “If surcharges are banned, prices will simply rise across the board.”
Campaign launched by Restaurant and Cafe Association
The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ARCA) has launched its “Let’s Get This Right, Not Rushed” campaign, calling on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to slow down as it considers an outright ban on debit and credit surcharges with a rushed implementation and without understanding the full cost to small businesses.
Cashless Aussie shop reveals $25,000 burden amid RBA surcharge crackdown: ‘Not worth the return’
The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ACRA), which represents thousands of hospitality businesses, has warned that 81 per cent of restaurants and cafes currently passing on surcharges would be forced to raise menu prices.
“If surcharges are banned, prices will simply rise across the board,” ACRA CEO Wes Lambert said.
Meals and takeaway prices increased in the 12 months to August.
The sector is battling surging costs and has recorded the strongest annual rise in the past year. CEO of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association, Wes Lambert says it’s no surprise.
Pubs, cafes and petrol stations fear squeeze of RBA card surcharge ban
“If the RBA bends to the banks and limits surcharging without fixing merchant fees, it will be the biggest own goal in the history of the payments industry,” said Wes Lambert, chief executive of the Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association (ARCA), which represents thousands of hospitality businesses.
‘Americanisation of our culture’: Tipping frequency, values on the rise in Australia
Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association CEO Wes Lambert said it is completely legal and increasingly commonplace within the hospitality industry.
New move that could be a ‘death blow’ to Aussie businesses
The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ARCA) said a four-day work week would slash productivity and take a toll on hospitality businesses, especially in CBD.
“We can’t cram service into fewer days,” ARCA CEO Wes Lambert said in a press release.
He said “a blanket four-day rule” would be “a death blow for CBD cafés already struggling” as one in 10 currently face closure.
Payments giant warns RBA card surcharge ban will cost shoppers $1.5b
Wes Lambert, the chief executive of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association, said 81 per cent of his members surcharged and an “overwhelming majority” confirmed they would pass on merchant fees through higher prices.
“There is no margin to spare,” Lambert said. “There won’t be any savings, only added expenses and more restaurants and cafes shutting their doors in 2026 and 2027.
Jacinta Allan’s work from home plan: All your questions answered
Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lambert argued the proposal would only divide workplaces.
“This announcement today simply defies reality and only demonstrates the lack of understanding the current government has on how our economy works,” he said.