RASA POLICIES

The Restaurant Association of South Africa has, along with key specialists in the industry, developed a number of policies with clear and measurable guidelines to assist the industry in self-regulation and standardisation. Restaurants that comply with the guidelines for the various policies may display the relevant accreditation on their premises.

Properties that adhere to the RASA policies are allowed to display a specially adapted version of South African Tourism’s Welcome logo and will be listed as an accredited restaurant on www.southafrica.net, the official website of South African Tourism, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond. Listings on this website will also carry the various RASA policy endorsements and will be plotted on the SA Tourism GPS database which is supplied to various role players in the digital mapping and navigation arena.
Creating awareness and educating the public on the minimum standards that should be expected from the restaurant industry is a key element to the RASA policies programme.

Policies developed thus far include:

RASA DINESAFE

Safe dining is absolutely crucial to the successful operation of any food service business. Not only is it a legal obligation for every restaurant to comply with statutory health and safety guidelines, it is also an ethical responsibility towards diners. The RASA Dine Safe policy covers aspects like food safety and hygiene practices, using accredited suppliers and adequate pest control. It also includes the RASA Healthy Diner Food Nutrition guidelines. The RASA Dine Safe policy is endorsed by JohnsonDiversey and Rentokil.

RASA SITSAFE

Restaurant clientele have the right to expect to feel safe within the restaurant environment. From having visible security guards and CCTV to putting control measures in place to prevent credit card fraud, this policy partners with a number of anti-crime and tourism safety initiatives to maximise its reach in crime prevention. Partners in the RASA Sit Safe policy are: ADT, the Tourism Safety Initiative (TSI), the Violent Organised Crime Work Group (VOC), Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA), Business against Crime (BAC) and Visible Policing. The RASA Sit Safe policy also takes into account staff verification through REDB, the RASA Employee Database.

RASA PLAYSAFE

Restaurants that offer children’s entertainment and play facilities have to ensure that the facilities and equipment are safe, clean, and well maintained. Access should be controlled and the child minders on duty are expected to be trained in child minding, basic first aid, and CPR. The necessary disclaimers should be in place and the restaurant is expected to publicise a customer feedback line. The RASA Play Safe policy is supported by Fleetwood Adventure Playgrounds and SAFIC.

RASA SKILLSAFE

Diners have the right to expect good service at any restaurant. Establishments displaying the RASA Skill Safe accreditation have sent their staff to the RASA Training Academy which offers training to managers, waitrons, barmen, baristas, cooks, and child minders. The RASA Skill Safe policy also requires that restaurants exercise good labour practices. Restaurants that are RASA Skill Safe accredited make use of the RASA Hot or Not consumer feedback SMS line on 34056.

RASA PRICESAFE

Restaurants displaying this accreditation have had their menu endorsed by RASA. This means that the pricing levels have been benchmarked against industry standards and that RASA has certified that the pricing displayed on the menu is fair. RASA Healthy Diner food nutrition guidelines have also been taken into account. Properties displaying the RASA Price Safe accreditation will not inflate prices over the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup period and will thus not partake in unfair exploitation of visitors to South Africa.

For in-depth information on the RASA policies, or to apply online, visit www.restaurant.org.za. Alternatively you may email info@restaurant.org.za or call (011) 705-2054/2251/2897.