over foreign entertainers.

A discussion paper is being circulated, through the Chamber of Commerce, to pub and restaurant owners who are unhappy with the Ministry for Labour and Home Affairs' proposals to better regulate non-Bermudian entertainers.

The paper includes Chamber concerns "about the extent to which the musicians' union influences immigration decisions. In our view the union is not representative of the industry as a whole, and is not in a position to comment on the availability of entertainers.'' "The immigration department should not attempt to determine the customer wants of each establishment and dictate the entertainment requirements for business.'' The paper asserts that "in many cases Bermudians entertainers are not experienced and cannot meet specifications. The hiring of a non-Bermudian band creates business and employment for a Bermudian back-up or introductory performance.'' The Chamber is also objecting to current requirements restricting second jobs for non-Bermudian entertainers and insisting on equal billing in advertising and other promotional material.

The Chamber proposes to object to equal billing noting "employers reserve the right to advertise their business in the manner which will guarantee the greatest return. We feel it inappropriate that Government should consider regulating the promotion of entertainment and, this provision should not be included in a draft policy for immigration purposes.'' The pub and restaurant owners want no limits on the duration of work permits for imported entertainers, providing that Bermudian entertainers are given "adequate employment''. Their view is that the off-season business needs to be promoted and encouraged and business owners have the right to determine the type of entertainment they wish to provide.