Gastronomy Under Pressure - Vogt Seeks Relief for Businesses - Germany’s FDP Pushes for VAT Cut to Save Struggling Restaurants
Christopher Vogt, leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in Schleswig-Holstein, is pushing for a VAT cut on restaurant meals to ease pressure on the struggling hospitality sector. He wants the rate slashed from 19% to 7%, matching the tax already applied to takeaway food. The call comes as many businesses face closures due to rising costs and shrinking customer spending power.
Vogt argues that the current system unfairly penalises restaurants by taxing dine-in meals at a higher rate than takeaways. He sees no logical reason for this difference, especially when both involve the same food. His proposal also includes reducing bureaucracy to help businesses cope with economic challenges.
The proposed VAT cut aims to stabilise an industry hit hard by inflation, high operating costs, and declining customer budgets. If approved, it would align restaurant taxation with takeaway food and reduce financial strain on businesses. The outcome of the Bundesrat vote will determine whether the measure moves forward.
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