75 percent reimbursement of the Lockdwon-related loss of sales - that is what politicians have promised generously.
The reality is different.
The Erding thermal baths feel this, which is worth millions.
Owner Jörg Wund raises serious allegations.
Erding - Exactly one year ago, thermal bath owner Jörg Wund and his authorized signatory Marcus Maier cheered: a new visitor record of 1.86 million visitors in 2019. Then Corona came in March, the number of guests dropped dramatically to only 800,000;
most were counted in January and February.
But what worries Wund much more: He has to expect that the federal government will only reimburse a fraction of the lost sales - contrary to all promises of politics.
He is far from the 75 percent reimbursement of sales.
“In the worst case, it will only be four million euros,” fears the entrepreneur.
Spa owner Wund: The ministers Altmaier and Scholz break their word
In this context, he accuses Minister of Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier (CDU) and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) of massive breaches of word.
"85 days ago they promised to unpack the bazooka at the Corona aid.
Now it comes down to a small water pistol with a frozen barrel, ”he says annoyed.
Therme Erding was only open 203 out of 366 days - and now it's closed again
The thermal baths were only open for 203 days in the first Corona year, after January and February only from June 26th to November 1st with an upper limit of 3000 visitors per day.
"So far, the loss in sales is around 40 million euros, but because we are still not allowed to open, I expect 60 million euros soon," calculates authorized signatory Maier.
Even if he cannot apply the full amount to November aid, said 75 percent, Wund would be entitled to a substantial double-digit million amount.
"If I got that, I shouldn't have to worry too much."
The calculation trick should go to the account of the EU
But now suddenly there is talk of Novemberhilfe Plus.
And that threatens to turn out to be a big minus not only for Wund, but also for many other entrepreneurs with several companies under one roof.
“Now it is said that we are only entitled to a maximum of four million euros”, the entrepreneur is annoyed.
The federal government is shifting responsibility to EU state aid law.
In terms of state aid, both the Wunds thermal baths in Erding and Bad Wörishofen and the Hotel Victory Erding are rated as one company.
Not only is there no longer any question of the 75 percent reimbursement of sales after Wund's experience.
In addition, there is a clear disadvantage by adding up his companies.
So far, there have only been poor progress payments
In any case, Wund has never seen much money.
He only received an advance payment of 50,000 euros for the hotel.
"That doesn't correspond to 75 percent of sales, but just 0.6 percent," he calculates angrily.
He also received 50,000 euros each for the three operating companies - a paltry 1.6 instead of 75 percent.
Every day burns a low six-figure amount
The fact that Wund can still sleep reasonably sound “is thanks to my thrift and the good work of my staff”, he reveals.
Because in the very successful previous years he was able to build up considerable reserves.
“I actually wanted to invest that - in extensions to the hotel, the Galaxy slide park and two new parking garages.
Instead, I'm burning the money now. "
It's a big fire.
Because a thermal bath cannot simply be switched off.
If he turns off the heating, hundreds of palm trees go in, if he empties the basins, the tiles burst off, if he stops the ventilation and the water flow, the filters germinate.
“Every day without an operation costs a low six-figure amount,” he calculates.
He can still afford it, “but it certainly won't last forever”.
Insurance offers only a poor comparison
Wund took out insurance against a forced closure, 21 years ago.
But the insurance company only offered him 15 percent of the loss in sales as a replacement.
He could complain.
“The outcome is completely uncertain, but in any case I would have to reckon with 250,000 euros each for legal and court fees.” And then a possible legal success would be deducted from the state aid.
This risk is sore too big - still.
First year since 1999 with a big minus
2020 will be the first year for the thermal baths with a thick red result.
"I still expect a loss in 2021, we will probably not be able to leave this zone again until 2023," suggests Wund.
His concern: A reopening with such a strictly regulated upper limit “that it doesn't pay off”.
Maier is frustrated: “We have already written off the profitable Christmas and Mardi Gras holidays.
And Easter will probably be added. ”A good 90 percent of the 500 employees are still on short-time work, with some of the technicians joining in February.
Because then all areas were renovated at least once.
He doesn't want to plan big at this time.
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