Encouraging signs from the reopening of restaurants

The messages from the first days of its reopening were encouraging. focus, despite the fact that not all businesses have reopened.

According to industry estimates, «The two companies »closed down" three businesses., with occupancy rates ranging from 60%-90% in urban centers and the periphery, and reaching 100% in coastal areas.

«The market started off really well, with coastal areas especially busy, as the nice weather, holidays, and inter-city travel allowed consumers to visit cafes and restaurants,» said the president of the Panhellenic Federation of Restaurants and Related Professions in a statement., George Kavvathas. However, there were also many business owners who chose to delay the opening of their stores, and this was due to inability to supply raw materials and lack of liquidity, while I believe that a large percentage, around 20%, will not open due to lack of outdoor space for setting up tables and chairs», points out the president of POESE.

However, according to an announcement by the federation, despite the fact that restaurants have reopened and the first few days have been satisfactory, there remain significant problems facing businesses that need to be resolved immediately, such as:

– The subject of operating hours of businesses, which should be expanded

– The lifting of the ban on music, since for a portion of the sector's businesses it creates problems for their sustainability, as this is a key characteristic of their operations.

– Issues concerning the operation of businesses in outdoor areas, for which clarification is required from the competent authority. Ministry of Development.

In fact, in a letter sent by Mr. Kavvathas to the Minister of Development and Investment, Adonis Georgiadis, and the Secretary General for Trade and Consumer Protection, Panagiotis Stamboulidis, requests a clarifying circular regarding outdoor operating areas, as there have been complaints from business owners about problems that arose during inspections.

Finally, the POESE expects the electronic platform through which entrepreneurs in the sector will submit applications for the €330 million in financial aid to be activated by May 10 at the latest, and for the aid to be disbursed by the end of the month, as it will particularly help businesses that do not have cash reserves to restart their operations.