The Bulgarian Association of Restaurants and the Society of Restaurants in Bulgaria shared their sincere „gratitude“ to the resigned for the „support“ to the industry, provided in the Budget Update. In a position to the media, they stated:
„As it is known, it provides for a VAT increase for low-alcohol beverages from 9 to 20%. And after only months ago, the same government resigned, agreed to keep the rate until the end of the year.
A proposal was made not to increase the VAT in question, which was unfortunately rejected by the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance. Now it is about to be voted in the hall.
In the middle of the summer season, another blow is being prepared against the supposedly priority Bulgarian tourism. For two years we were imprisoned on vague and at times strange criteria, we were expelled by our staff, which was reorienting to safer sectors, they left us to deal with the many difficulties we faced on our own. And now they will raise our tax. Disgrace!
In almost all of Europe, the industry most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is supported by anti-crisis measures, and in our country it has been purposefully crushed! And he is constantly opposed to other sectors – they have pitted us against doctors, teachers and students, and now against bread. Outrageous!
Once again we say – since you do not help us, at least do not disturb us and call on all MPs who care about Bulgarian tourism and Bulgarian business to vote „for“ maintaining the rate of 9% VAT on soft drinks. Moreover, this is the only relief for our colleagues from the nightclubs, who have been hit hardest by the anti-COVID restrictions.
In addition, we urge the 9% rate for goods offered in restaurants to remain permanent, as in the hotel industry. We are entering a spiral of elections and it is not expected that there will be a functioning parliament soon that will make decisions in support of Bulgarian business.„
