Brussels – As one of the first sectors to be shut down and one of the last to reopen in most countries, Europe’s bars and restaurants need our solidarity now if they are to survive this crisis
We all know just how tough the pandemic has been for everyone in the hospitality business, and how important it is that we support Europe’s bars and restaurants so that they can reopen at the earliest safe opportunity.
Our members have been doing what they can to support venues with practical supports, assistance with finance and stock management, and of course governments across Europe have provided huge assistance to date through wage subsidies and other efforts.
The fact remains that many of these venues will soon have been shut for over a year – a completely untenable situation for small businesses and their staff.
At ground level, it is crucial that the latest lockdowns are used to test new solutions based on the latest science (for example through investment in airflow and ventilation systems, which are increasingly seen as some of the best ways to mitigate potential airborne virus transmission).
At official level, we warmly welcome the comments from Commissioner Schmidt that hospitality should be at the heart of both national recovery plans and the EU Recovery Fund. We now call on the EU to establish a task force dedicated to coordinating approaches across the EU institutions and Member States, and also to ensuring that hospitality venues and value chain partners are able to access much needed support from the EU Recovery Fund.
As one of the first sectors to be shut down and one of the last to reopen in most countries, Europe’s bars and restaurants need our solidarity now if they are to survive this crisis. This is why so many associations have come together to launch this coalition today and why spiritsEUROPE has made supporting safe reopening one of our core missions for 2021.
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For further information, please contact:
Ulrich Adam / Director General
Tel: + 32 (2) 477636751 / adam@spirits.eu
Further information and reading available on spirits.eu
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