The aid granted by the state to bars and restaurants, which amounts to 20% of the difference in turnover between last year and this year, will manage to save 15,000 firms from bankruptcy out of the 45,000 existing in the HORECA market, will support the activity of another 20,000 companies, but will not manage to keep alive another 10,000 units, estimates Dragos Petrescu, general secretary of the Association of Bars and Restaurants – HORA, which brings together operators from the HoReCa industry, and owner of the City Grill chain.
Dragos Petrescu says that the aid package will be applied starting next year, and the money will come from March to December 2021.
The measure, he says, saves those who had activity in 2019 and were honest, declaring their entire turnover, so that the difference between last year’s sales and this year’s is as large as possible.
The representative of the employers’ association estimates that, out of the total of 45,000 restaurants and bars, around 25,000 are on the verge of bankruptcy or have already closed, preserving their activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the state aid for the HORECA sector?The aid amounts to 20% of the difference between the turnover recorded in 2019 and the one from 2020.
How many HORECA businesses are expected to be saved by this measure?According to HORA estimates, the aid will save 15,000 firms from bankruptcy and support another 20,000.
What is the timeline for the distribution of these funds?The aid package is set to be applied next year, with payments distributed from March to December 2021.