Hospitality sector in Belgium, with 25,000 Euros or more in revenue from the sale of food and drinks, starting January 1st must have a certified cash register/POS connected to the fiscal black box.
According to one survey of 528 restaurants, taverns and breweries, 45% of them have raised prices due to the introduction of the black box, in an average increase of 10% for meals and for drinks. One quarter of respondents also intend to increase their prices as the 45% who have already done it.
Black box (FDM – fiscal data module) in Belgium in addition to issuing fiscal receipts, monitors cashiers work time. This measure was introduced, by the initiative of the Ministry of Labour, to reduce number of illegal workers. It is accompanied with some government compensatory measures relating to flexi-working hours and overtime.
Survey regarding this shows the following:
As good impact one fifth of survey participants had to license one or more employee(s), that has not yet been licensed, 58% has intention to do it.
As bad impact many hospitality establishments reduced work hours in order to save on labor costs. Many breweries are no longer open in the afternoon.
The Horeca sector therefore asks for a VAT reduction down to 6 % on food and drinks. “The VAT cut will give some oxygen to the hospitality industry.”
Source: LaLibre.be
