STORY:
Johannesburg Party Plans in South Africa

Nightspots are filling up or have decided not to open at all

Restaurateurs and New Year's Eve partygoers in Johannesburg South Africa are facing the same problems as the rest of the world. Employees who are willing to work New Year's Eve want top to be paid top dollar or they won't work at all. Businesses who do put on New Year's Eve parties end up passing along the high labor costs to their customers who may decide not to attend because of high-ticket prices.

Reports from Johannesburg say many nightspots are closing down for the evening and those that are open are charging R50 ($8 US) to R14, 370 ($2375 US) for New Year's Eve festivities. Here's some of what¹s being offered:

• Westcliff Hotel ­ For R14,370 ($2375 US) you get two nights for two in the Presidential Suite, a gourmet dinner on New Year's Eve, one brunch and one breakfast. Fireworks show at midnight.
• Park Hyatt ­ For R2500 ($413 US) per person, you get to party in the Millennium Room, a room for the night, seven-course dinner and champagne breakfast. Fireworks at midnight. If this is too much, for R250 ($41 US) you can get a snack plate and party mask at the hotel's bar.
• Sandton Sun and Towers Inter-Continental Hotel ­ For R1100 ($181 US) you get a black-tie affair with a three-course meal with a live band.
• Jolly Roger ­ For R50 ($8 US) this popular bar is having a party but the owners don't know if they'll spring for a band just yet - they do know how much they'll charge.

Source: South African Sunday Times

DATE: 7/09/99

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