Calls for drug testing to be introduced for cafe, bar and restaurant workers have had a lukewarm reception from Rotorua's hospitality industry.
The Restaurant Association is so concerned about the problem, it has launched a drug and alcohol education programme, and is urging employers to adopt a "zero
tolerance" stance on the issue.
The association claims an unprecedented rise in methamphetamine use among bar and restaurant staff has reached epidemic proportions and is affecting service standards.
It wants workers identified as substance abusers to be disciplined and to attend a compulsory rehabilitation programme, including at least three random drug tests in a 12-month period. Failure to comply will result in dismissal.
But restaurant owners spoken to by The Daily Post do not believe the problem is widespread in Rotorua.
Relish owner Matt Cooper said he was not aware of any problems at his current cafe, although he had been aware of problems previously in his career.
If his workers came to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol they would be given three chances before being fired, said Mr Cooper.
"Touch wood it hasn't happened yet but if it did I'd send them home straight away and then they'd be given a written warning," he said.
The hospitality industry was already facing a staffing crisis and would be put under further stress if random testing were adopted, said Mr Cooper.
"I'm not saying I would rather my staff turned up wasted or stoned but I think this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. It's no worse in this industry than in any other."
Pig & Whistle and Capers Epicurean owner Gregg Brown said he was also unaware of problems with any of his 65 staff.
"Because it's a safety issue, if I suspected any of my workers were under the influence, I would send them home straight away," he said.
Rotorua Happy Days Buffet Restaurant owner Chris Fahy has been in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years.
Mr Fahy said he had previously been forced to send staff home, but not in the past two years.
Drinking on the job was acceptable when he first entered the industry but there was little tolerance for it today.
"It used to be quite acceptable to have a couple of drinks during your break and no-one batted an eyelid but it has really changed," he said. "If it happened today it would stand out."
However, Mr Fahy said he would support an alcohol and drug education programme for the industry.
"If it improves standards within the industry then it would be great," he said.
Valentines owner Kake Kautai, who employs 30 staff, said he also supported a industry-wide education programme.
"I have had cause in the past to deal with stoned workers but it's not a huge drama any more for us because we tend to hire more Christians," he said.
"We'd want help for our workers if they did have a problem though."
The union representing hospitality workers has described the programme as a "sledgehammer approach".
"Just because 40 percent of workers may have tried illegal drugs ... doesn't mean all of that percentage has a problem that is affecting their work," said union spokesman Alistair Duncan.
- additional reporting NZPA
