By blocking dozens of major roads and busy intersections, today restaurateurs are to express their disagreement with the lack of dialogue with the government and the 20% VAT for the industry set in the 2025 budget. Restaurateurs from over 30 major cities have expressed their desire to participate in the protest, the Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association announced. The business has repeatedly stated that the VAT increase will lead to bankruptcies, increase the gray sector and the revenues earmarked for the state budget will not be realized. According to representatives of the industry, Bulgaria is the only country in the EU that does not apply a reduced rate to the restaurant industry, even though it is part of the tourism industry.

The tax for restaurateurs was reduced from 20% to 9% due to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and since the beginning of this year, it has been restored to the previous level.