Berlin's struggling industries get a helping hand with fee waivers
Berlin's desperate businesses are in for a bit of good news. The Senate Chancellery announced on Monday that certain fee charges would be waived for restaurants, retailers, showmen, event organizers, and various sectors in the trade fair and congress industry. This move aims to assist those hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and high energy prices. If any financial loss occurs for the districts, the Senate will cover the losses.
The decision also extends to special usage fees dispensed from May 2022 onwards, which the district authorities can choose to reimburse at their discretion, with funding provided by the Senate.
CDU politician Kai Wegner, governing mayor of Berlin, considers the fee waiver a significant act of aid for Bundesland's restaurateurs, showmen, retailers, and creative individuals. He stated, "By waiving this income, we want to help stabilize the struggling businesses and boost the Berlin economic landscape."
This wave of fee reductions can also be traced back to the tough COVID-19 years, which impacted various industries and made it difficult for them to continue operations. With the VAT on restaurant meals scheduled to rise from 7% to 19% as of January 1st, 2023, the industry faces further economic challenges.
Enrichment Insights:
The fee waivers are part of a series of measures to support the businesses affected by the pandemic. Germany has implemented various measures which include financial aid, tax relief, loans, and grants to help recover and maintain economic stability. Nevertheless, specific details about a fee waiver for retailers, gastronomy, showmen, and event organizers in the sources are not provided.
Sources:
[3] N. B. (2021, May 14). COVID-19: Germany's business support measures by industry type. KPMG.
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