In a study conducted by the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) in collaboration with a number of suppliers, it transpires that between March 2020 and March 2021 approximately 19% of establishments closed down.

“This staggering figure confirms the studies that the ACE had done in 2020 whereby 24% of the establishments declared that they are considering closing shop. An additional 12% have put their operation on sale or to rent.”

“Catering Establishments have been unjustly made to close in spite of all statistics showing that the Covid-19 spread is not related to restaurant opening, “ ACE claimed. “Despite the clarity in statistics and the statements made by Health officials that Restaurants are not the cause, the Health Authorities have decided to discriminate against these depriving them from their daily bread.”

Catering Establishments are being deprived from the right to work and earn a living, ACE said. “The situation is desperate, with mental health issues related to solvency problems also being reported to the ACE. The Association has also been in touch with psychologists who have confirmed that they are surprised on the number of catering establishment owners that are approaching them in view of the circumstance. Restaurateurs lives should matter to the Health Authorities.”

Many in the retail sector have also expressed solidarity with restaurateurs, given also that their establishments are being effected by the closure of catering establishments, the ACE statement read.

“In this alarming situation, the ACE calls on Government to open catering establishments at the immediate opportunity, to issue vouchers on opening date and to maintain full wage supplement up to end of year.”