Netherlands: Food Service Establishments Largely Remain Closed Until December 2020

On October 27, 2020, in an effort to contain the rising number of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in the Netherlands, the Dutch Government decided that foodservice-HRI outlets will remain closed until, at least, early December. Restaurants’ kitchens will only remain open for take-away and home-delivery of meals. In addition to the existing support measures, the government offered an additional $47 million in financial support for the foodservice-HRI sector. The Dutch hotel, restaurant, and catering (HORECA) industry organization, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (or KHN), commented that while the financial support is welcome, the subsidy might come too late for the industry as members are already struggling to pay bills, salaries, and rent. Industry sources report that restaurant and bar owners, especially those that are small and medium-sized, are increasingly depleting their financial reserves.

Netherlands: Food Service Establishments Largely Remain Closed Until December 2020