KHN signed the National Prevention Agreement on Friday 23 November. This agreement contains measures that a large number of parties will take to make the Netherlands healthier. The joint ambition is to ensure that by 2040 fewer people smoke, that problematic alcohol use is reduced and that fewer people are overweight.
The main advantage for the catering industry is that we have reached an agreement with State Secretary Blokhuis of VWS that smoking areas will only be banned from 1 July 2022. This gives catering entrepreneurs longer to phase out their smoking area.
The National Prevention Agreement includes more measures that are important for the catering industry. For example, we must do our utmost to ensure that compliance with the age limit of 18 years for serving alcohol is 100% by 2030. And we will encourage catering entrepreneurs to also offer smaller portions. Not only does that mean more choice for guests with different needs, it also helps to reduce food waste.
Robèr Willemsen, chairman of KHN: “In recent months we have had consultations with a large number of parties. This means that we have reached a compromise on some points. At KHN, we have been involved in discussions about problematic alcohol use and overweight. And we talked separately with the Secretary of State about smoking areas. Those conversations weren't always easy. KHN's approach was to only agree to measures that are workable for catering entrepreneurs.
We don't like to impose obligations. What we can do is inspire and enthuse entrepreneurs to make their offer healthier. Because people like to drink a glass of wine and eat dessert when they go out for dinner. And we think that should be possible. But it is good that catering entrepreneurs also put healthier alternatives on the menu.
All in all, I think we have come to a good set of agreements. Now we all have to deal with it. I therefore call on all catering entrepreneurs to participate and to commit themselves to a healthier Netherlands in 2040. Because it is also important for our industry that people are healthy and vital.”
Ban on smoking areas postponed until July 1, 2022
In the talks with the State Secretary, KHN has made every effort to allow the ban on smoking areas to come into effect later than the 2 years that State Secretary Blokhuis had suggested earlier this year. Robèr Willemsen: ”As far as we are concerned, those 2 years were really too short. Catering entrepreneurs have invested a lot of money in a smoking room in recent years and therefore need extra time to recoup that investment. I am also pleased that we have succeeded in convincing the cabinet that the ban on smoking areas will also apply to the (semi-) public sector and public buildings from 1 July 2022.”
Compliance to 100% by 2030. Is redistribution punishable?
In the area of alcohol consumption, we have been working in the hospitality industry for some time to improve compliance with the age limit. We think it is good that young people under the age of 18 do not drink. Compliance is now 26,6% in the catering industry and the aim is to get that percentage to 2030% by 100. Rober: “We realize that this is a strong ambition, but we are going to commit ourselves 100% to it!
The ministry will make every effort to criminalize the 're-supplier'. We are happy with that, because we have been pushing for this – together with other parties – for some time.”
Smaller portions on the menu
At the moment, 48% of the adult Dutch population is overweight and this percentage is expected to rise further. To combat this, various measures have been agreed in the National Prevention Agreement. One of the actions that KHN has committed to is that we will encourage catering entrepreneurs to also put smaller or different portions on the menu, so that guests are less likely to overeat. “'The needs of our guests vary, why shouldn't we respond to those where we can?”, says Willemsen.
Infographic with the most important actions
In the coming period, KHN will work to stimulate and inspire catering entrepreneurs to work on the actions from the National Prevention Agreement that are important for the catering industry. Those actions are on this infographic. In the coming period, the government will monitor how well the actions that have been agreed are going. RIVM will report on this every year.
Download the Infographic with the most important actions.
Source: KHN.nl
