Catlins True Brew director Toby Bennett said he and other local businesses obliged to undergo periodic food safety inspections, such as cafes, hotels and artisan producers, were concerned about proposed Clutha District Council fee increases.
He said his own charges had increased 30% in a year, and indications were fees were likely to go up again in the coming financial year.
The Clutha District Council concluded consultation on its new fees schedule yesterday, as part of annual planning, and will make a decision on final figures next month.
Mr Bennett said he was also concerned about new wording in relation to fee billing.
He said the current hourly rate for inspection charges could be replaced by an "actual cost of verification" clause.
"We’re apparently moving from a transparent hourly rate to this opaque, vague ‘actual cost’, which essentially allows council or its contractors to charge whatever they want. It’s disingenuous at best."
Mr Bennett said the challenging global economic climate was making it impossible for hospitality sector operators to remain afloat.
Anticipated 20%-plus increases in rates and incoming MPI food business levies were additional worries for businesses like his, he said.
"[We] are being hammered by astronomical rises in Clutha District Council fees/charges.
"The post-pandemic crippling cost-of-living crisis, reduction in spending and massive rises in basic goods and utilities have had a devastating impact on the already seriously struggling industry.
"[B]usinesses’ bills have tripled and even quadrupled or more ... it is set to get much, much worse."
He had heard of some businesses’ bills rising to more than $1000, from about $200.
"All we’re seeking is transparency, and a fair approach to charging for inspections."
A council spokeswoman said Clutha contracted the Invercargill City Council to carry out inspections.
Clutha did not use other third-party contractors, although the ICC might have done so, "to fulfil [its] contractual obligations".
The council said fees had not changed this financial year, but invoicing had been altered to "separate out" elements.
"[A] check on other councils’ food verification fees [shows] Clutha is among the cheapest of similar-sized councils," the spokeswoman said.
"Actual cost of verification" remained a proposal until consultation was complete, she said.
