In the future, significantly fewer couriers may work on food delivery platforms, as the Saeima is discussing an initiative to limit the ability of citizens from third countries to work in Latvia as self-employed. It is in this status that the vast majority of couriers currently operate.
The register of the Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) has registered just over 8,000 delivery couriers. About half of them are citizens or non-citizens of Latvia, while the rest are foreigners. This means that with the introduction of restrictions, the number of couriers could theoretically decrease by several thousand, reports TV3 News.
From the industry's perspective, such changes could impact the market. Andris Kalniņš, the head of the Latvian Association of Hotels and Restaurants, notes that the commissions of platforms like "Bolt" and "Wolt" are quite high — up to 30%, which is why some businesses are even interested in having people pick up food themselves or eat on-site more often.
At the same time, restaurant owners acknowledge that for businesses primarily operating on delivery, the consequences could be serious. According to Andris Rumitis, the head and co-owner of the "Hercogs" restaurants, establishments where 80–90% of orders are for delivery will have to seriously reconsider their operating model.
Industry representatives surveyed believe that in the first stage, the changes could cause serious upheavals — with a reduction in the number of couriers, delivery could become slower and more expensive. They agree that regulation needs to be tightened to reduce the share of the shadow economy and improve compliance with safety requirements.
The chairman of the board of "Tiamo grupas", Tom Zukulis, emphasizes that the problem should be addressed not through bans, but through control: "It is clear why this issue is being raised, and it is necessary. But you cannot just ban everything abruptly — a solution needs to be found on how to control it."
He also notes that the demand for delivery will not disappear: if supply decreases, prices will rise, and ultimately either the consumer or the restaurant will pay for it.
Similar discussions have already taken place in other European countries. For example, in Finland, the issue was addressed through a decision by the Supreme Administrative Court, which recognized platform couriers as effectively employees rather than self-employed, obliging companies to provide them with social guarantees and helping to reduce the "gray zone" in the economy.
Overall, representatives of the restaurant industry acknowledge that their relationships with delivery platforms remain ambiguous due to high commissions. However, they also understand that consumer habits will not change significantly, and food delivery will remain in demand, so the market will have to adapt to new conditions.
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