The Dutch catering industry demands billions of euros in support from the cabinet to compensate for the missed turnover, writes the Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the cabinet announced that Dutch food and beverage outlets such as restaurants and cafés should keep the doors closed until 6 April. Thus, a further spread of the coronavirus must be prevented. Hotels will still remain open.
“We understand the measures. We understand that the health of the population is number one, two and three,” says KHN chairman Robèr Willemsen to NU.nl. Still, the blow hits hard. “These have been very tough weeks for our industry. It is now important that a good package is available for entrepreneurs.”
Due to the virus outbreak, the catering industry expects that turnover will decrease by 50 percent in 2020 and that turnover will dry up completely if the catering companies are closed. To absorb that blow, the KHN wants to see a package of government support measures of at least 5.1 billion euros.
Part of the support package is that the scheme for applying for short-time working hours must be relaxed. “Today, a direct link to the corona virus is still being claimed, rejecting applications from hospitality entrepreneurs, while it is clear that things are empty due to the outbreak and announced government measures,” said the industry association.
KHN chairman Willemsen also hopes that institutions will show leniency to entrepreneurs, for example by granting postponement of VAT payments or a temporary exemption from both national and local taxes.
Willemsen has only one idea for people who want to support their favorite pub in these difficult times. “Massively visit again when they open again.”
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The coronavirus in short
- The virus mainly spreads through cough and sneeze droplets that hang briefly in the air.
- An infected person infects two to three others on average. This number may decrease with proper precautions.
- The vast majority of patients have mild (flu-like) complaints.
- Almost all deaths involve older or already sick people. You can protect these people with precautions.
- Read here what the most important precautions are.
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