Latest news with #Papas
Sky News AU
16-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
'Bit of a hot air statement': Sydney business owner Peter Papas 'sceptical' of RBA's ban on credit and debit card surcharges as fee 'needs to come from somewhere'
Sydney restaurant owner of Kazzi Beach Greek, Peter Papas, has expressed concerns over the RBA's latest bid to ban fees on debit transactions, fearing the policy may not be able to block large corporations from imposing extra charges on small businesses. The RBA proposed the sweeping reform on Tuesday morning claiming it's in the public interest to scrap the sneaky surcharges which could collectively save $1.2billion annually. Alongside demanding an end to surcharging, the RBA also called for the cap on interchange fees, which are paid by businesses to shoppers' banks, and demanded greater transparency around these fees. The latter, the RBA said, will make it easier for businesses to shop around for better-value payment deals. However, Mr Papas believes the scheme may be too good to be true, telling Sky News on Wednesday morning he remains ''sceptical'' as there is no legislative authority to force large corporations to abandon the payment fees. "As a business owner and a consumer, of course, if it's just our customers, then generally speaking, it's good for us," he said. "But my fear here is that those who will pay the price will be the small business owners, because there's no legislative power to take away or stop the banks from charging those fees to the business owner." The central bank's new proposal has been ambushed with criticism since its announcement with many claiming it 'doesn't solve' the underlying problem surrounding the fees and it could instead be counterproductive for consumers. The call received a mixed response from the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia chair Matthew Addison, who warned the complexities of card surcharging meant simply removing the fees "alone doesn't solve it". 'We have a very opaque system. A lot of the costs are buried in the detail,' Mr Addison said on Business Now. 'We look forward to this consultation of the Reserve Bank (and) surfacing some of the better options. Banning surcharges alone doesn't solve it.' He also warned the 'surcharges aren't going anywhere' as the RBA promotes banning businesses from charging these additional costs to their customers. 'Hiding those costs by banning them simply puts them into the overheads or the operating costs of the small businesses,' Mr Addison said. 'Hiding the cost doesn't remove them.' Mr Papas further questioned why the surcharges actually exist and as long as it does "the money has to come out from somewhere". "So a stronger argument is why is it charged at all? But so long as it is charged, then you know, we need to recover it," he said. "I'm concerned that the RBA statement is a bit of a hot air statement and it's a motherhood statement because in theory, great, we're going to tell issuers they can't charge the fee anymore and we're gonna make sure that they don't charge small business owners. "If that plays out, everybody's a winner, we are all happy, but I remain sceptical along with most of the business community, small business community." The RBA's call also met backlash from the Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association (ARCA) which labelled it a 'short-sighted, anti-small business policy' and argued it would force establishments to pass costs onto consumers. 'Who the hell does the RBA think will bear the cost of this ridiculous decision?' ARCA chief executive Wes Lambert said. 'First, merchants and then customers, through higher menu prices in the middle of a cost of living crisis. 'No matter how low merchant fees go based on the RBA's intention to save businesses $1.2 billion dollars, with no surcharging, businesses who previously paid net $0 in merchant fees, will now be faced with the bill.' The RBA will continue to seek feedback on the changes until late August before handing down a final proposal at the end of the year.
The Age
08-07-2025
- The Age
Killer cook's meticulous planning will cost her at sentencing time
'It's unprecedented. What we're talking about is a middle-aged lady … planning and scheming carefully to poison four people who are her relatives,' he said. 'It's highly, highly planned and totally evil.' There were 82 murder cases in Victoria between July 2018 and June 2023, according to the Sentencing Advisory Council. Of those, 9.8 per cent of killers were given life sentences, while 30.5 per cent were sentenced to 25 or more years' jail. The shortest sentence handed down was nine years, while the longest was 36 years. Along with Erin Patterson's sentence, Beale will also issue a non-parole period. The longest non-parole period issued in Victoria between 2018 and 2023 was 35 years, according to the Sentencing Advisory Council data. After the sentence is handed down, likely to be later this year, Patterson will then have 28 days to appeal either the sentence, the verdict or both. 'Because this is such a big, complex case, [the defence] may need a bit of extra time beyond their 28 days,' Papas said. There are Victorian cases of murder that have attracted life sentences which Papas expects to be considered. Robert Farquharson, the father convicted of murdering his three sons, was sentenced in 2010 to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years. Farquharson launched his third appeal last year. James Gargasoulas murdered six people and recklessly endangered the life of 27 others when he ploughed a stolen car into pedestrians in Bourke Street on January 20, 2017. He was sentenced to life, with a minimum of 46 years. If Patterson does appeal, three Court of Appeal judges will consider written and oral submissions from the prosecution and the defence. To be successful, Patterson's lawyers would need to point to evidence of alleged errors or failures in the running of the case which amount to an unjust conviction. A victory could see the judges order a retrial, resentence her or even choose to permanently stay the charges on the basis Patterson would not be able to receive a fair trial again – which would result in her release. If she failed, she would be able to lodge another appeal in the High Court, but it would be much harder to overturn the decisions of two lower courts. Her only other avenue after that would be a petition of mercy, which, under Victorian laws passed in 2019, allows an appeal if there is fresh and compelling evidence that shows a substantial miscarriage of justice has occurred.
Sydney Morning Herald
08-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Killer cook's meticulous planning will cost her at sentencing time
'It's unprecedented. What we're talking about is a middle-aged lady … planning and scheming carefully to poison four people who are her relatives,' he said. 'It's highly, highly planned and totally evil.' There were 82 murder cases in Victoria between July 2018 and June 2023, according to the Sentencing Advisory Council. Of those, 9.8 per cent of killers were given life sentences, while 30.5 per cent were sentenced to 25 or more years' jail. The shortest sentence handed down was nine years, while the longest was 36 years. Along with Erin Patterson's sentence, Beale will also issue a non-parole period. The longest non-parole period issued in Victoria between 2018 and 2023 was 35 years, according to the Sentencing Advisory Council data. After the sentence is handed down, likely to be later this year, Patterson will then have 28 days to appeal either the sentence, the verdict or both. 'Because this is such a big, complex case, [the defence] may need a bit of extra time beyond their 28 days,' Papas said. There are Victorian cases of murder that have attracted life sentences which Papas expects to be considered. Robert Farquharson, the father convicted of murdering his three sons, was sentenced in 2010 to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years. Farquharson launched his third appeal last year. James Gargasoulas murdered six people and recklessly endangered the life of 27 others when he ploughed a stolen car into pedestrians in Bourke Street on January 20, 2017. He was sentenced to life, with a minimum of 46 years. If Patterson does appeal, three Court of Appeal judges will consider written and oral submissions from the prosecution and the defence. To be successful, Patterson's lawyers would need to point to evidence of alleged errors or failures in the running of the case which amount to an unjust conviction. A victory could see the judges order a retrial, resentence her or even choose to permanently stay the charges on the basis Patterson would not be able to receive a fair trial again – which would result in her release. If she failed, she would be able to lodge another appeal in the High Court, but it would be much harder to overturn the decisions of two lower courts. Her only other avenue after that would be a petition of mercy, which, under Victorian laws passed in 2019, allows an appeal if there is fresh and compelling evidence that shows a substantial miscarriage of justice has occurred.
Hi Dubai
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Celebrate Valentine's Day with these Special Offerings in Dubai
This Valentine's Day, Solutions Group, Dubai's premier hospitality group, invites you and your special someone to celebrate love in style. With an array of irresistible offerings across its award-winning venues—Asia Asia, The Showhouse, The 305, STK, Ula, Papas, and Karma Kafe—romance is guaranteed to be in the air. Asia Asia Asia Asia, Dubai's most awarded Pan-Asian restaurant, offers two stunning locations for a romantic evening: Asia Asia Pier 7 and Asia Asia Palm Jumeirah. Asia Asia Pier 7 Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 5 pm – 1 am 5 pm – 1 am Prices: AED 800 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival (indoor seating) AED 1,000 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival (outside terrace seating with Dubai Marina view) Reservations: Click here Asia Asia Palm Jumeirah Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 5 pm – 2 am 5 pm – 2 am Prices: AED 800 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival (indoor seating) AED 1,000 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival (outside terrace seating with iconic landmark views) Reservations: Click here Asia Asia Business Bay Celebrate with a special Valentine's Day edition of the Spice Route Brunch, featuring unlimited beverages, a reimagined Valentine's dessert, and specially crafted cocktails. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 8 pm – 11 pm 8 pm – 11 pm Prices: AED 350 – Non-Alcoholic Package AED 495 – Wine Package AED 525 – House Package AED 625 – Sparkling Package Reservations: Click here Asia Asia Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi Enjoy a romantic four-course dinner with stunning views of Yas Bay. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 5 pm – 1 am 5 pm – 1 am Prices: AED 700 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival AED 900 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival Reservations: Click here The 305 Experience the magic of Miami at The 305, a pastel pink beachside bar and restaurant. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 9 am – 12 am 9 am – 12 am Prices: AED 700: Day Bed & sharing bites menu with a bottle of wine (Couples Beach Day) AED 800: Three-course menu and a bottle of wine or prosecco (Valentine's Day Dinner) Reservations: Click here Papas Celebrate love with a romantic four-course Italian menu at Papas, located at Intercontinental Dubai Marina. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 6 pm – 1 am 6 pm – 1 am Prices: AED 700 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival (indoor seating) AED 900 per couple: Four-course menu and a Valentine's cocktail on arrival (outdoor seating) Reservations: Click here ULA Dubai Escape to Ula, a beachside haven on Palm Jumeirah, for a special Valentine's Boho Brunch. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 8 pm – 11 pm 8 pm – 11 pm Prices: AED 350 – Soft Drinks Package AED 395 – Wine Only Package AED 450 – Wine, Beer, Spirits & Cocktails Package AED 495 – Sparkling Package Reservations: Click here STK Indulge in an upscale steakhouse experience with a special Valentine's edition of the RARE brunch. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 8 pm – 11 pm 8 pm – 11 pm Prices: AED 365 – Soft Drinks Package AED 425 – Wine Only Package AED 450 – Wine, Beer, Spirits & Cocktails Package AED 495 – Sparkling Package Reservations: Click here The Showhouse Step into a Parisian-style cabaret setting for a romantic three-course menu paired with wine. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: From 9 pm From 9 pm Prices: AED 500 per person: Three-course set menu with wine pairing Reservations: Click here Karma Kafe Enjoy breathtaking views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa with a four-course Valentine's menu or a special Night Brunch. Date: Friday, 14th February Friday, 14th February Time: 5 pm – 1 am 5 pm – 1 am Prices: Terrace Seating: AED 1,200 per couple (four-course menu and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival) Terrace Premium Seating: AED 1,500 per couple (four-course menu and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival) Reservations: Click here This Valentine's Day, Solutions Group ensures an unforgettable celebration of love. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a beachside escape, their venues promise to make your evening truly special. Book now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
