The Netherlands’ biggest pub owner threatens to open pubs by June

There is widespread grumbling in the hospitality industry about the coronavirus measures as the closure continues. Time to issue an ultimatum, believes hospitality tycoon Laurens Meyer (60). If the government does not provide help soon, he will open the doors of his pubs on 1 June.

Meyer—who owns, among others, Luden in Utrecht, Drie Gezusters in Groningen and around 48 other pubs throughout the country—gave an extensive account of the situation in AD. Together with a number of hospitality entrepreneurs, he launched the Horecazorg campaign. They have an urgent appeal to the cabinet: “If the government does not take appropriate measures in the form of more money and subsidies for hospitality entrepreneurs, we will simply reopen on 1 June at the latest, or earlier,” Meyer said.

The campaign group—which together represents around 400 hospitality businesses—is calling on other hospitality entrepreneurs to do the same. According to Meyer, many businesses are on the brink of collapse. “For many entrepreneurs, reopening will be the last resort.”

The demands

What do Meyer and his fellow campaigners want? “First, full compensation, an adjusted NOW scheme that pays out not 64 percent but, as promised, at least 90 percent, an emergency fund to cover our fixed costs, and a temporary repayment-free period with the bank, along with compensation for interest or an interest exemption.”

Minister’s response

Meanwhile, Minister De Jonge has responded: “Of course, you cannot work together like this,” was his answer. He says he understands very well that people in the hospitality industry are worried. “But together we have to combat a health crisis. The virus will not be gone by 1 June.” According to the minister, agreements must be made that fit the crisis.

‘A gross scandal’

Meyer responds firmly: “Then he can explain to me how we are supposed to work together. Because so far, everything has come at the expense of the entrepreneur. We are being screwed and conned.” He continues: “My fixed costs continue. I am not allowed to dismiss staff, yet I am only partially compensated. That is not sustainable. Not for me, but not for the sector either.”

Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) also feels abandoned. Despite discussions, no concrete commitments have been made. According to Meyer, they have been fobbed off with empty promises. “It is a gross scandal.”

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