Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Mansion House.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Mansion House concerning a trial introduction of Lounge Suit as the dress code for the Business and Industry Dinner in March 2019.

Members noted that the recommendation was to trial a change in dress code for one dinner.

One Member requested that the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen consider any further application of dress codes to Aldermanic dress. The Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen responded that it was important that dress code was always fit for circumstance and occasion.

It was also discussed that for many people at the Dragon Awards Dinner, wearing black tie was an important part and people wanted to dress up for the event. There was also comment that the report should have included a box which recommend lounge suit for general business engagement dinners.

One Member suggested that an acceptable compromise would be to label dress codes as “White Tie preferred”, so that guests knew what the standard would be but that those who could only wear black tie would not be deterred. Another Member felt that a mix of dress codes would look dishevelled.

There was some debate around whether Members should wear robes at dinners, and one Member did feel it was useful for guests to differentiate between hosts and other guests.

RESOLVED, that:

·         It be recommended to the Policy and Resources Committee to support the trial introduction of Lounge Suit as the dress code for the Business and Industry Dinner in March 2019.