Heusenstamm: restaurateurs in need! Immediate VAT cut required

Heusenstamm: restaurateurs in need! Immediate VAT cut required

in Heusenstamm, restaurateurs face enormous challenges. Highly increased energy costs and a stressful VAT contribute to the financial need for many companies. The restaurant "Zur Stadt Offenbach", known as "Katja", has increased prices out of this need and no longer offers free dessert. Sandra Gilmer, owner of the "Katja", vehemently demands an immediate reduction in VAT from 19 to 7 percent to relax the economic situation. The energy costs have doubled and the shopping costs continue.

Robert Baake, operator of the "A-Roma" restaurant, notes that the current prices are not sufficient to cover the increased costs. The Hotel and Gastronomieverband Hessen (DEHOGA) describes the reduction in VAT as an overdue correction. Many local restaurateurs fear that small companies could die out without immediate reduction.

firm support from actions

From June 2 to June 6th there is a “gastro week” in Heusenstamm, in which special offers are offered in participating cafes, restaurants and bars. This solidarity campaign could support some restaurateurs that are fighting in the current crisis. Nevertheless, there are many challenges, in particular the discussion about the planned increase in the minimum wage from EUR 12.82 to 15 euros, which could possibly neutralize the advantages of the reduction in VAT.

An example of the fears of the restaurateurs delivers Luis Rodrigues Petisca from the ice cream parlor "Picasso", which emphasizes that small businesses cannot afford an increase in the minimum wage. There is no shortage of staff in the “Katja” family business, but here too such an increase could lead to the release of employees. The "A-Roma" restaurant had to be released because the costs were no longer portable.

long -term perspectives

The federal government has promised a permanent reduction in VAT to 7 percent from January 1, 2026, which gives the industry hope. However, the clarity of this measure is also questioned by other sources. According to rbb24 Many hosts do not benefit from tax relief. Implementation should compensate for the increased costs that have increased by over 30 percent in recent years.

Some companies could possibly reduce prices in individual cases, but these are entrepreneurial decisions that cannot be guaranteed. The opposition criticizes the measure as unjustified and demands a fairer distribution of the stress. As the DEHOGA survey also shows, 33.5% of the companies fear that in 2025 to slide into the loss zone.

Another challenge remains the high pressure in the hospitality industry throughout Germany. DEHOGA points out that 84.7% of the companies feel the increased VAT than the greatest challenge. Increasing personnel costs, which are mentioned in 78.3% of the cases, as well as high food and energy costs forcing many restaurants to rethink.

Overall, restaurateurs struggle in Heusenstamm and nationwide with enormous change and price pressure. Their future depends significantly on the upcoming political decisions and the support options that the industry will receive.