site.btaRestaurant, Hotel Businesses Protest against 20% VAT Rate, Ready to Renew Nationwide Protests Next Week

Representatives of the restaurant and hotel sectors in Bulgaria continue their protests against the return of the 20% VAT rate, demanding that it remain at 9%. According to them, the increase will lead to bankruptcies, and they are organizing numerous actions in various cities, supported by other industry organizations from small and medium-sized businesses. "If it stays at 20%, we will go bankrupt," said a participant in the protests.

Protests were held in many cities, including Blagoevgrad, Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Montana, Kyustendil. In some places, car processions, marches, and roadblocks were organized. In Velingrad, Plovdiv, Varna, and other cities, the reactions were larger, while in some areas, the protest was either a warning or purely symbolic. Under the common slogan “Politicians, don’t turn off our lights forever!” many of the protesters insisted on “keeping the 9% VAT for the sector.”

The Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria emphasizes that this is only the beginning. "The next one in the country will be much larger, and it will precede the national protest in Sofia," said the Association’s Chairman Emil Kolarov. The dates are still to be determined, as they are linked to “the adoption of this year’s state budget bill by parliament”.

Protesters emphasize that the higher VAT “affects the customers” as it increases final prices and deprives the sector of competitiveness. “Our country is one of the few in the European Union with a high tax rate for tourism and restaurants,” say owners from Razgrad and other regions. In some places, it was recalled that the reduced rate helps the restaurant industry to be "on the books," and with the return of the 20% tax, the risk of new losses and layoffs increases.

Restaurant owners in various cities have stated their readiness for new protest actions if their demands are not heard. "Our protest is a call for the government to pay attention to us," commented participants from Pazardzhik, while others warned, "We will continue protesting if we are not heard."