In this context, through a media communique, the American Oda of Kosovo has cited restrictions on movement and a ban on the use of internal environment in gastronomy business facilities.

The US Economic Ode's Gastronomy and Tourism Committee in Kosovo expresses concern for members over measures undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo that restricts the economic activity of HORECA industry companies. The Gastronomy and Tourism Committee describes that limiting movement hours and stopping the use of the environment in the activities of business subjects such as restaurants, bars, pubs, hinders the recovery of these businesses and free development of economic activity in a free competition market economy, while such a practice also has harmful implications in economic development and worsening the environment of doing business”, said the communique.

“The same effect also has delays in implementing economic recovery measures related to delays in the adoption of relevant legislation, which, among other things, is unable to lower the value added tax rate (TVSH) to 8%. This affects the recovery of businesses in this area, until the fastest approval of the law would have an impact on facilitating the operation of companies affected by the impact of COVID-19”, it is said.

According to the American Oda, the decision on limiting movement and standing, eating and drinking in closed environments is negatively affecting business subjects' operations through limiting customer numbers.

The Gastronomy and Tourism Committee considers that the decision to stop staying indoors and limit movement schedules, of course, have implications for reducing sales revenues, which prevents expansion and development of the HORECA sector. Consequently, the Gastronomic and Tourism Committee considers that any positive effect generated by such policy would be overshadowed by the negative effects it has on the country's economy and businesses. Therefore, we consider that the engagement of local governance institutions should be based on the creation of a healthy environment for the private sector, which creates preconditions for sustainable economic and social development during this period”, the report says further.

Eventually, the American Economic Ode's Gastronomy and Tourism Committee in Kosovo requires that in co-ordination with the ministries and relevant institutions re-evaluate the established measures, allow stays in closed environments, in restaurants, bars and pubs always by respecting measures imposed by the IKSHPK, prevent the restrictions on citizens' movement, and vote on the draft economic recovery law.