Menorca bars demand 2027 modernisation funds

Six formal requests for modernisation funding have been filed by Menorca’s cafés, bars and restaurants. The Menorca Association of Cafés, Bars and Restaurants submitted them on Tuesday, 15 September, to the Menorca Island Council and the Balearic Government. The group wants money set aside for 2027 to replace machinery, furniture and other business equipment.

The association says cafés, bars and restaurants are currently excluded from the island council’s de minimis business-aid scheme for Menorca’s productive, cooperative and commercial sectors, as well as certain service firms. It wants the trade added to the 2027 scheme.

It is also asking the Balearic Government for a dedicated grant line to modernise premises. The funding would cover fixed investments including furniture, machinery, equipment and installations, on terms matching those already available to other business and tourism sectors.

The six submissions went to the island council’s Presidency Department and its Economy and General Services Department. They were also addressed to Balearic president Marga Prohens, economy, finance and innovation minister Antoni Costa, and tourism, culture and sports minister Jaume Bauzá.

The association says food and drink businesses are one of Menorca’s main sources of local jobs. It cites Balearic Statistics Institute (Ibestat) social-security affiliation figures showing that food and drink activity on the island has more registrations than accommodation.

It warns that profitability across the sector is falling as operating, raw-material, labour, energy and regulatory costs rise, while takings during the tourist season decline. “Restaurants need the same institutional backing that other business sectors already receive,” the association said.

Topics: Tourism · Food & dining · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com