ETO PRESIDENT GÜLER LISTENS TO THE SERVICE SECTOR’S REQUESTS DURING WORKPLACE VISITS

During visits to businesses, Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce (ETO) President Metin Güler listened to the concerns and requests of members in the restaurant, café, and catering sectors. Members emphasized the need for restaurants, cafés, and similar businesses to be allowed to accept customers with the HES code, the declaration of force majeure for all businesses in the sector, the postponement of tax and loan payments to 2022, the extension of TAPDK (Tobacco and Alcohol Regulatory Authority) licenses, and support for electricity and natural gas bills.

ETO President Metin Güler visited members running restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses to hear their concerns. The visits to Cengiz Topel Street, Vural Street, and Köprübaşı were accompanied by ETO Board Member Bülent Şarlar, as well as relevant assembly and professional committee members.

It’s impossible to pay the bills with these revenues

Expressing their appreciation for President Güler’s visits, the members explained that they have been unable to conduct regular business for 11 months due to the pandemic, resulting in significant revenue losses while their tax and financial obligations continue. Business owners noted that operating at reduced capacity and relying on takeout services barely allows them to pay their bills. They stressed that natural gas and electricity providers should offer support to traders and small business owners during this period.

Postpone business debts to 2022

ETO members operating restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses underscored the need for these establishments to be allowed to accept customers using the HES code. They also expressed that if the restrictions continue, many businesses will not be able to survive. They called for the declaration of force majeure for all businesses in the sector, regardless of licensing or operational periods, and stressed that the postponement of all taxes and loan payments to 2022 is critical.

TAPDK licenses should be extended or refunded

Owners of restaurants and bars shared their concerns regarding TAPDK licenses with President Güler. They pointed out that they paid significant sums for their TAPDK licenses but have been unable to operate their businesses. They requested that the duration of these licenses be extended or that refunds be issued for the time their businesses were closed. ETO members emphasized that the service sector in Eskişehir has suffered considerable losses due to the pandemic and that employees have also been affected.