The Association of Restaurants and Related of Attica has decided the closure of all stores in Greece on 16 November. Catering professionals have decided to take action against the new restrictive measures imposed against Covid-19 in Greece.
The president of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants (GSEVEE), Mr G. Kavvathas, said that the new measures that came into force on Saturday 6 November (i.e. demonstration of a vaccination certificate, or certificate of recovery, or negative diagnostic test for coronavirus -PCR or rapid test- at the entrance of banks, of shops -mall/discount villages-, shops in a shop, hairdressing salons, personal hygiene services, natural wellness services, open catering facilities, amusement park services, zoos and entertainment venues) make it very difficult for businesses because it limits potential customers. He said that there was a 30-50% decrease in turnover nationwide on the weekend of November 6 and 7, while on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 November he said that the decrease reached 80%.
The reasons why the shopkeepers took this decision are stated in the statement issued by the Restaurant Association, which reads:
“The catering sector is looking for support measures to avoid shop closures and job losses
- Adjusting the fines and shifting them to the offender.
- Change of refundable advance to non-refundable.
- Participation in decision-making through participation in relevant committees.
- Subsidies for energy costs and rent.
- Subsidising employer contributions or suspending employment contracts.
- Exemption from the payment of municipal fees.
- Reduction of VAT to 6%.
- Continuation of the loan instalment subsidy.
- New funding similar to that of 2020 and early 2021.
