80% drop in turnover of restaurants in Varna after introduction of Covid-19 green certificate

Two weeks after the introduction of the green certificates system in Bulgaria, the turnover of restaurants and bars in Varna dropped by nearly 80%, and 20% went bankrupt. The Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria criticized the state for not keeping its promises to the industry and this led to the closure of hundreds of eating and drinking establishments in just one month.

At noon, the tables in Mihail Nikolov's restaurant are empty. He says there have been almost no customers in the recent weeks.

"In our company, out of six establishments, three are already closed. I am personally "For" compliance with the measures, "For" vaccination, but unfortunately most of my compatriots are clearly not of this opinion," said Mihail Nikolov - owner of restaurants.

He is dissatisfied that the state does not keep its commitments to the industry.

"It was mentioned that when these restrictions start, there will be the appropriate measures to help. Not only to us, but also to our staff and their families," said Mihail Nikolov.

Large number of restaurant owners in the country have declared bankruptcy in the recent days, representatives of the industry say.

"Colleagues prefer not to work - the costs have doubled, tripled – electricity, delivery prices, insurance, salaries," said Emil Kolarov - chairman of the Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria.

The industry insists on returning the programmes for business compensation with a percentage of the turnover.

"And the antibodies for issuing a certificate should be recognised. In the second place, the free-of-charge antigen tests, because now a test costs BGN 10 and giving BGN 10 in order to have a coffee, for example, is mindless," said Marin Sotirov, deputy chairman of the Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria.

Many people from Varna who do not have a green certificate are firm that they will not take a quick antigen test to go to a restaurant.

"I think they should be free-of-charge so that people can go to restaurants without worrying they have to pay 10 BGN," said Marin Sotirov, deputy chairman of the Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria.

The industry said there would be no protests until the election. If the state does not support the industry after that, there will be long-term strikes.

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