President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured he will work to solve the difficulties faced by restaurant and café owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. The president met with the Restaurant Association of Maldives (RAM) after it published a statement on the concerns of restaurant and café owners.
Speaking to PSM News, RAM President Hamid Afeef said President Solih had noted the difficulties faced by restaurants and café during the meeting and gave his assurance that he would support the proposals put forth by the association. The proposals include easing restrictions for in-house services following the decrease in COVID-19 cases in the Greater Male' Region and allowing 24-hour delivery services and outdoor catering. RAM also requested to be included in discussions on formulating guidelines for restaurants and cafés as well as implementing guidelines that do not hinder the businesses if the COVID-19 situation worsens.
The association also requested for the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to postpone issuing fees and fines for18 months and businesses be allowed to pay taxes in split payments. Other proposals include the government providing a special stimulus package for restaurants and cafés as well as providing leeway to pay the lease on government land.
RAM President Afeef said President Solih has assured that he will consider the proposals and solve the difficulties faced by the businesses. He highlighted that restaurants and cafés are the most affected by lockdowns and that delivery services provide below 10% of overall sales.