(FT.com): Businesses are reviewing their corporate hospitality plans amid concerns that lavish entertaining could fall foul of contentious new bribery legislation. Lawyers say they have been approached by companies who fear that they may have to cancel hospitality events after the Bribery Act comes into force in April. Many City institutions regard luxury entertaining, which can include international flights and free tickets to sporting events, as a normal part of business. But lawyers warn that the legislation aiming to end corrupt payments makes no exceptions for hospitality, unlike in the US.
Stephen Morrall, corporate partner at Dawsons Solicitors, said: “We have talked to a lot of people about this. They are very concerned and they should be concerned. People are asking whether they should be holding [corporate entertainment events].”
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