2024-07-09 06:09:33
The president of the Chamber of Ioannina, Makis Chrysostomou, characterizes the return of VAT to 24% on served coffee as incomprehensible and extremely problematic, at a time when accuracy has become an important pressure factor for every household and business in the country.
As he states in a letter to the Ministries of Development, National Economy & Finance and Tourism, the catering/coffee industry has already been plagued by huge problems in recent years, as it was burdened by the pandemic, the increase in energy and raw material prices, as well as the special tax on coffee per kilo.
“The new increase in VAT will further intensify this pressure, leading to increased prices for the end consumer and further burdening businesses.
We cannot ignore the increase in non-salary costs, which remain unchanged, creating additional difficulties for businesses. The government must recognize that small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy and their support is essential for recovery and development”, emphasizes Mr. Chrysostomou and calls on the government to immediately review its decision to increase the VAT on coffee and take measures to reduce non-wage costs. At the same time, it points out that it is necessary to consider solutions to deal with the increase in the prices of energy and raw materials, in order to ensure the viability of businesses and the protection of consumers.
“The government’s responsibility is to shape a framework that will support the growth and prosperity of the people and businesses. We hope you will take our concerns seriously and act accordingly,” he concludes.