Restaurant owners are to protest because of a record drop in turnover

A decrease of more than 80% in turnover at restaurants in Bulgaria was observed in the first two days after the “green certificate” requirement was introduced for admission to indoor public places, a statement by the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Association of Restaurants said on October 27.

The organisations point out that although the majority of the industry made serious efforts and provided staff that meet the new requirements, there are no clients. The number of businesses closing increases by the day. This is why they will join the protest by the united Bulgarian businesses, which is scheduled for tomorrow, October 28th, in different parts of Bulgaria.

According to the organisations, the order by the caretaker Minister of Health Stoycho Katsarov is discriminatory, because it establishes measures only in some of the economic sectors.

In a statement sent to the media, establishment owners claim that it is not true that the “green certificate” requirrement was introduced at the request of the tourism industry.

There were meetings with Cabinet representatives, during which the restauranteurs agreed to work with “green certificates” as the only alternative to a lockdown. However, the branch organisations say they made proposals, but they were ignored.

The organisations insist that the “green certificate” requiremen should also be instroduced in the state and municipal administrations, that a grace period for businesses be granted to make the appropriate arrangements and that new economic measures are announced to support those affected.