Dehoga Hesse: Increased VAT is a problem for many. Since January 1, 2024, the normal VAT rate of 19 percent has again applied to food in the catering industry.
The rate for food in restaurants or cafés was temporarily reduced from 19 to 7 percent during the corona pandemic to ease the burden on the industry. This exemption was extended several times due to the energy crisis, most recently until the end of 2023. For beverages the figure remained at 19 percent.