Solid majority: All parties represented in the Saxon state parliament are in favor of a reduced VAT rate in the catering industry beyond 2023. After the Greens and the AfD, the CDU, SPD and Left also spoke out in favor on Thursday. "Already because of the general inflation, it would be wrong to raise the VAT again, especially since then also the food in daycare centers and schools will become even more expensive. We want to keep the reduced rate and completely eliminate VAT for basic foodstuffs," said Left Party leader Rico Gebhardt.
Till the end of the year, a reduced VAT rate of 7 percent applies nationwide for the consumption of food in restaurants and pubs. The scheme was part of the Corona crisis relief effort, but is now set to expire. "It is now time to permanently phase out this scheme so that we give the hospitality industry another chance at economic recovery after Corona and beyond. This is not done within twelve months," said CDU MP Jörg Marker. The price increases for energy, personnel and food would burden the gastronomy. However, the landlords can not always pass on all costs directly to the guests.
