Gastronomy Sector Seeks Tax Lifeline After Colombian Earthquake

The Colombian gastronomy sector is urgently appealing for extraordinary tax relief measures to avert widespread job losses and business closures in the wake of a recent earthquake. Leaders from the hardest-hit regions are calling on governors and mayors to implement swift financial support to help establishments maintain operations and employment.

Nicolás Leyton, executive director of Gastronómica for the Pacific and Amazonia regions, highlighted the severe impact of the disaster. He stated that the crisis extends beyond physical infrastructure damage, encompassing operational restrictions, precautionary closures, a sharp decline in consumer traffic, and mass reservation cancellations that are rapidly depleting sector revenues. Many businesses are struggling to cover fixed costs like payroll, rent, and utilities while also trying to support their communities.

"The emergency is affecting our structures, our operation, and our income, but above all, it is putting the stability of more than 240,000 jobs, their families, and their life projects at risk," Leyton said. "That is why we need measures that protect people, preserve jobs, and allow our establishments to remain open while we overcome this crisis."

The appeal is specifically directed at the mayors of Cali and Buenaventura, as well as other local leaders in the affected territories. It also urges the governors of Valle del Cauca, Chocó, and Cauca to collaborate with the mayors in implementing the necessary urgent measures. The sector hopes these tax alleviations will provide a crucial lifeline, preventing a domino effect of bankruptcies and job losses in an industry already vulnerable after previous crises.

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The emergency is affecting our structures, our operation, and our income, but above all, it is putting the stability of more than 240,000 jobs, their families, and their life projects at risk. That is why we need measures that protect people, preserve jobs, and allow our establishments to remain open while we overcome this crisis.