GÜLER: "WITHOUT STATE SUPPORT, CLOSURES ARE INEVITABLE"

ETO President Metin Güler, after meeting with representatives of the restaurant, canteen, and food service sectors, stated that without government support, businesses in the service sector could be forced to close within a few months, leaving tens of thousands of employees in distress.

Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce President Metin Güler met with the relevant professional committees of the chamber to discuss the demands and issues of members operating in the restaurant and food service sectors. The meeting at ETO was attended by Board Member Bülent Şarlar, Assembly Members Bekir Kök, Cem Ekin, and Müslüm Okan, as well as members from the Restaurant Services and Canteen and Beverage Presentation Services committees. The current situation of the sector and the future of businesses that have been temporarily closed or restricted were discussed.

Traders and small business owners can't even pay past debts

ETO committee members emphasized that while restrictions are being implemented globally due to the pandemic, many countries provide support to closed businesses. They noted that traders and small business owners are struggling to pay their past debts due to restrictions and reduced business during the first quarter of the year. Without government support, it was emphasized that closures would be inevitable for these businesses.

Businesses will close within a few months under current conditions

Committee members explained that businesses that have been temporarily closed or restricted are facing serious cash flow problems. They stressed that all debts, including rent, taxes, loans, and operating costs, need to be consolidated and postponed under a long-term payment plan. It was noted that businesses in the service sector cannot survive even for a few months under current conditions, highlighting the critical need for financial support for sector representatives.

Over 2,000 businesses and tens of thousands of employees will be affected

ETO President Metin Güler, speaking at the meeting, highlighted that traders and small business owners have been facing difficult times since the beginning of the pandemic and the associated restrictions in the first half of the year. He noted that the decline in tourism activities and the shift to remote learning by universities have brought the service sector to a standstill. Güler emphasized that traders and small business owners are struggling to repay loans taken six months ago and that, with the new restrictions, more than 2,000 ETO member businesses and tens of thousands of employees will face even greater difficulties.

An urgent support package must be prepared for the service sector

ETO President Metin Güler stressed that businesses affected by the restriction decisions should receive unconditional support. He called for direct financial aid to all businesses in the sector, regardless of whether they owe taxes or other debts. Güler underlined the impossibility of businesses staying afloat under these circumstances and emphasized the need for an urgent support package to be prepared for businesses operating in the service sector.