Moroccan Restaurant Industry Urges Government Aid Amid COVID-19 Crisis

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Tourism, the National Federation of Restaurateurs (FNR) has requested the adoption of emergency measures to support the companies in its sector, which have been severely affected by the crisis due to the covid-19 pandemic. The lobby thus lists a range of social, financial and tax claims.

The FNR has also requested "the adoption of urgent measures to support the companies in the restaurant sector, in the context of the state of health emergency related to the covid-19 pandemic". The FNR, which says it is supported by all the Regional and Provincial Associations of the kingdom, recalls that "the restaurant activity remains the most impacted of the commercial fabric activities".

They also reviewed their demands with the supervisory minister. They concern the social aspect, employment, taxes, taxation, the banking sector and the financing of the recovery.

Regarding the CNSS, the FNR is asking for the cancellation of contributions for the whole of 2020, as well as the extension of the temporary unemployment allowance until December 31, 2020.

As for taxes, the Federation proposes that those concerning municipal services be calculated pro rata of the activity for the year 2020. It also pleads for the alcohol license tax, the professional tax and the public domain occupation tax to be exempted for 2020-2021.