New support measures for catering businesses were announced by the Deputy Minister of Finance Theodoros Skylakakis, during an event of the Central Union of Chambers of Greece - which was held online - on the topic of "pandemic and catering".

The President of the Central Union of Chambers of Greece, Mr. Yiannis Hadjitheodosiou who undertook this initiative, together with the president of GSEVEE and the Panhellenic Federation of Restaurant and Allied Professions Mr. Giorgos Kavvathas had the opportunity to brief the Deputy Minister of Finance on the problems of the sector, Mr. Theodoros Skylakakis who was a guest of the teleconference.

The new support measures announced by the Secretary of State

Mr Th. Skylakakis, for his part, stressed that the country's economic policy is specific, last year's budget said it was closed, while he estimated that 2022 will be a very good year.

• Regarding the problems faced by businesses in catering, he announced that in cooperation with the competent Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. K. Skreka are considering a new "Exoikonomo" program exclusively for small and medium-sized enterprises amounting to € 450 million. euro.
• There will also be a corresponding programme amounting to EUR 450 million. euro in cooperation with the Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. K. Pierrakakis for digital investments in SMEs.
• As for the needs for the region of Northern Evia that has been affected by natural disasters, he announced a six-month extension for the cheques that the debtors must pay.

The president of the JICS welcomed the measures announced by the deputy finance minister, saying: "It is in the interest of the government to receive less every month from each debtor, than not to receive at all because he will have closed down."

All the presidents of the Chambers who spoke, expressed to the Deputy Minister of Finance in the darkest colors, the economic situation prevailing in the catering industry and its consequences due to the health crisis. The shortage of staff, the need for measures to support businesses to avoid closure, rent subsidies and energy equipmentbut also development programmes through NSRF and Fund Recovery Fund is a one-way street.

The JICS's proposals

The President of the JICS, Mr. Yiannis Hadjitheodosiou pointed out that it is absolutely necessary to immediately enhance the liquidity of the affected companies and submitted specific proposals to support these businesses such as:

• Exemption of rent for businesses during the pandemic
• Non-reimbursement of the repayable advance received by businesses
• Increase in the subsidy rate of energy costs
• Reduction of VAT on product prices
• Increase in doses, from 72 to 120, for affected businesses

Leveraging the resources of the Recovery Fund to focus

On the same wavelength, the president of GSEVEE, Mr. George Kavvathas who pointed out that comparatively The catering sector lost around €1 billion. euros compared to the first quarter of 2020, while according to Bank of Greece data, these businesses will need a lot of help to get back on their feet. He also called for government support for the catering businesses that are facing high energy costs due to the price increases.