Fitness centres re-open, owners seek VAT reduction for the industry

Fitness centre re-opened on May 18. They are required to adhere to the requirements of the Health Minister’s order for physical distance and disinfection.

On the first day of work after having been closed for two months during the coronavirus state of emergency, the industry insists on a one-time assistance from the state and 9% VAT on their activities.

"We want a reduction in VAT from 20% to 9%, we also want a grant for the entire industry, to the amount of one month's average revenue from the declared revenue for 2018," said Peter Angelov, chairman of the Bulgarian Health and Fitness Association.

The fitness centres resume their activity with no more than 10 people for group activities at a time and no more than 1 person per 4 square metres.

According to Petar Angelov, in these two months they are the industry with the biggest losses because they had zero opportunity to generate revenue. Their costs are high and continue when the centres re-open.

The industry will ask for a meeting with the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister to explain their arguments.

According to the chairman of the Bulgarian Health and Fitness Association, many people in the industry are also inclined to protest in order that their demands are met.