HCMC eateries find conditions for reopening too tough
Eateries in Ho Chi Minh City have been permitted to resume operations, but many are encountering challenges meeting the stringent requirements set by authorities.
Since September 7, food and beverage businesses have been allowed to operate daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., restricted to takeout and delivery services only, with no dine-in customers permitted.
Numerous establishments have voiced their difficulties in complying with these conditions. One major hurdle is the requirement for employees to reside on-site, which many restaurants are unable to accommodate due to inadequate facilities. Moreover, the mandated 6 p.m. closure time severely restricts their ability to serve dinner, a critical mealtime for revenue generation.
Business owners are also grappling with increased operational costs, including the mandatory Covid-19 testing for employees every two days. Additionally, restrictions on direct food delivery to customers have exacerbated challenges, as delivery service providers struggle with a shortage of workers.
Compounding these issues, disruptions in nationwide transportation, stemming from anti-pandemic measures, have disrupted supply chains, making it difficult for eateries to source essential groceries.
Having endured more than 65 days of closure, food and beverage businesses continue to face financial strain from ongoing expenses such as rent and employee benefits. Many fear potential bankruptcy without sufficient government support, including financial aid and regulatory relief.
Requests from industry stakeholders include prioritizing vaccination for workers to facilitate direct food deliveries and seeking tax waivers and rebates to ease financial burdens. Specifically, they propose a VAT waiver for 2021 and a 50% rebate in 2022 and 2023, along with an income tax rebate in 2021 and a 30% reduction over the subsequent three years. They also advocate for subsidies to cover pandemic-related costs like testing and on-site employee accommodation.
The industry seeks collaborative efforts with authorities to navigate these challenges and ensure sustainable recovery in the post-pandemic landscape.
