FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We would like to share the following items, which describe the impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on the industry.
Check out our page on the FIVS website that offers news of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our industry around the world! We are updating this webpage as new information becomes available.
Government assistance
- Increasing EU support of wine sector during pandemic – The European Commission has reportedly proposed measures that will exempt wine producers from certain EU antitrust rules for six months, allowing them to plan production, storage, and promotional activities jointly. The Commission will also reportedly increase the EU contribution to funding national support programs from 60% to 70% and will allow countries to provide advance payments for storage costs and distilling wine into alcohol for industrial or biofuel use. The Commission’s report can be found here.
- UK pubs excluded from VAT relief – The UK has reportedly announced help for its restaurants, cafes, hotels, and attractions such as zoos and cinemas by reducing VAT applied to food, accommodations, and attractions from 20% to 5% for six months. The government also reportedly announced a £500 million plan under which it will fund a 50% discount on meals at participating businesses – at a maximum saving of £10 per person – on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during August. However, alcohol beverage sales at pubs have been excluded from the VAT relief and meal discount plan.
Research
- Seeking professionals involved in wine tasting for survey – The Union of Oenologists of France has launched a survey of professionals involved in wine tasting to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and other diseases relating to the loss of the sense of smell. A link to the survey, which will be used for medical research, can be found here.
Reintroducing lockdowns
- Australia – The Victorian State Government has closed businesses again in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, returning to Stage Three restrictions for six weeks. Restaurants and cafes may remain open but only for takeaway and delivery services. Entertainment and cultural venues, as well as community sports, have been closed again.
- South Africa – South Africa has reportedly introduced new restrictions, including another ban on alcohol sales, in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus. Industry has pointed out the drawbacks with this latest development.
- A group of restaurants led by Cape Town-based Chefs Warehouse is reportedly taking the South African government to court on an urgent basis, arguing that their businesses can survive only if they are allowed to serve alcohol with meals. The group also argues that patrons who voluntarily decide to sit at the same table should not be required to keep a distance of 1.5 m between one another.
- United States – As COVID-19 cases spike, some bars in Nevada must close again, and restaurants, bars, and breweries in South Carolina and Tennessee reportedly may not serve alcohol beverages.