Corona is halfway over in the hospitality industry. But now high costs for electricity and heating are putting restaurant owners and hoteliers under pressure again. So finally act, an industry representative appeals to politicians.
Neuss (dpa / lnw) – In view of the rapidly increasing energy costs, North Rhine-Westphalia’s hospitality industry is demanding support from the state as soon as possible. The recent Federal Council decision to leave VAT on food in the catering trade at seven percent is helpful as a measure against inflation, said the President of the Dehoga NRW industry association, Patrick Rothkopf, to the dpa. “But that doesn’t change the current cost pressure, which is being fueled above all by the energy drama.” Businesses would not be able to compensate for a multiplication of energy costs by adjusting prices. Energy must flow and remain affordable.
In consultations between the federal and state governments on relief for citizens and companies, there had been no agreement on financing issues in the past few weeks. Hospitality representative Rothkopf urged speed – the announced government measures would have to be implemented as soon as possible, he said.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s hotel and restaurant industry has had tough times, the consequences of the corona pandemic have affected the companies. In this spring and summer things went uphill again. Now, however, it is feared that many companies will not survive the winter financially due to the high energy prices and the reluctance of their regular customers. Some hotels are considering closing in winter to try a fresh start in spring.
