Restaurants in Latvia are currently in a difficult situation - association 0 16

He noted that another restaurant recommended by the Michelin guide, Barents, has announced its closure, which confirms that the restaurant and catering sectors are experiencing a challenging period at the beginning of the year.

Jānis Enzīs added that it is difficult not only in the fine dining segment - many establishments are closing "quietly and peacefully." He emphasized that this trend is likely to continue, as it is currently the off-season, and entrepreneurs have no hope for change since there are no discussions at the political level about the critical situation in the industry and its support.

"Quality products that guests love and that are in demand cannot survive and continue to operate. This means that something is wrong with the system as a whole," noted Enzīs.

In this regard, the Latvian Restaurant Association (LRA), the Latvian Bar Association, and the Latvian Association of Hotels and Restaurants have agreed on the next steps, including a picket in September this year, Enzīs reported.

He pointed out that there is currently inaction at the political level, while the industry itself faces many challenges: there are few tourists, the purchasing power of the population is declining, the tax burden is high, Latvia has one of the highest value-added tax (VAT) rates in the European Union, as well as the highest labor tax burden in the Baltic States. According to him, "there is no light at the end of the tunnel," and the industry is not receiving support.

As previously reported, the restaurant and bar Barents, included in the international gastronomic guide Michelin Guide, will close in Old Riga on Smiļšu Street.

The last working day of the establishment is January 31.

Thus, Barents will become the second restaurant from the Michelin Guide in Latvia to close in January this year. As reported earlier, the seafood restaurant Tails on Antonijas Street in Riga closed on January 12 this year.