Without any specific dates for its reopening focus Two consecutive meetings were held between the Panhellenic Federation of Restaurants and Related Professions and the ministers. Adonis Georgiadis and Christos Staikouras, as the president of the Federation and GSEVEE told CNN Greece. George Kavvathas.
Ο Minister of Development asked Mr. Kavvathas to submit Federation proposal based on the data available at that time.
The catering industry is reluctant to open in mid-February only for outdoor areas, considering that this will not work and will further burden business owners.
Speaking to CNN Greece, Mr. Kavvathas said that the critical issue at the moment is the economic situation in which occur ο branch.
He stressed that during the meeting with Mr. Staikouras, a series of issues that concern the catering sector, such as refundable deposits, rents, debt haircuts, financial tools, and others.
As Mr. Kavvathas, The finance minister showed understanding for the business community's position and the difficult situation they find themselves in, leaving room for further support measures, saying:
«We recognize the unique characteristics of the industry and will take additional initiatives to support it.».
The president of the Attica Restaurant and Related Businesses Association, Mr. Yannis Daveronis speaking to CNN Greece He was categorically opposed to the reopening of restaurants in mid-February, even if only for outdoor seating, saying that this would perhaps help Attica, but not the whole country, but only a few areas and specific establishments, and would be disastrous for the sector as a whole.
«Under these conditions, the sector cannot generate revenue and, as a result, will not be able to cover even its operating costs,» noted Mr. Daveronis.
He even said that in recent days he had spoken with a number of presidents of local restaurant associations in other regions of Greece who were also categorically opposed to this prospect.
Finally, he pointed out that financial support for the sector it is the one that is currently at the forefront, proposing two key measures that should be adopted:
Firstly, the refundable advance payment become non-refundable for the catering industry.
And secondly, there should be financial instruments from ESPA for catering in Attica.
He also revealed that in the coming days he will meet with the regional governor of Attica, Mr. Patouli on this particular issue.
