Phase 2: 45.8% of Puglia restaurateurs want to leave in 2021

- Pessimism prevails on the restart of the restaurant sector in Puglia where 83% of restaurateurs, according to a survey sponsored by the consortium "Puglia is served" among the 70 associated entrepreneurs, fear that there will not be enough customers to bear the costs reopening of restaurants scheduled by the Government for June 1.

And on the re-start date, the sector seems split with 45.8% restaurateurs who, from Gargano to Salento, want to start again in 2021, while 41.7% declare themselves ready to start again as soon as possible, and in any case next June 1st . "In Puglia, a split world of catering has emerged, but everyone agrees on one point: they will suffer a lot of damage due to the cutting of seats. The restaurant owners of our Consortium - notes the director of the Consortium" Puglia is Served " Vittoria Cisonno - they base their activity on the banquet, which goes far beyond simple food ". In addition, 45.8% would need a plan to reopen next year, with public funds. But there is a 41, 7% more optimistic who wants to check if he can start again. What about social distancing? In Puglia 29.2% have already procured the Dip and are training the staff. One in eight will suffer sustainable damage due to the reduction of seats (12.5%), and 1 in 5 will not be able to apply the spacing.

What do Apulian restaurateurs ask the government for? "20.8% indicate, as the only possibility, layoffs until the end of the year", underlines Beppe Schino, president of the Consortium Puglia è Servita. There is a big difference with what, in these hours, according to the first rumors, the government would like to do: layoff only until October. But with a meager summer season, how will catering and food and wine tourism companies survive? In addition, 37.5% ask for rapid access to financial liquidity instruments and 29.2% ask for the cancellation of taxes and duties for the whole of 2020. (ANSA)