, this is what the Norwegian government wants to ask Miljøpartiet De Grønne. MDG wants to prevent bankruptcy in the nightlife industry. Allowing restaurants and bars that need it to defer the payment of taxes and fees.
“The postponement we are proposing could make the difference between bankruptcy and the survival of more companies in the industry,” Rauand Ismail, parliamentary representative from Miljøpartiet De Grønne, tells NTB.
The following proposal will be presented in the Stortinget on Wednesday:
“Stortinget asks the government to defer the payment of taxes and duties for catering industry, which falls in mid-January. No interest is paid on this deferment ».
Ismail points out that the alcohol ban has placed many restaurants in a difficult position.
– When the majority in Stortinget refused to lift the ban on the sale of alcohol, they stood down an industry in difficulty situation. That's why I hope that we will obtain a parliamentary majority in this rescue operation for bars and restaurants, he says.
Until last summer, companies could apply for a tax and fee deferment, but this program was not extended. The Fremskrittspartiet had previously tried to ask the government to change this decision, but to no avail. The government said ahead of Christmas it was considering making it easier for troubled firms to apply for a deferral. Unfortunately, that has not happened yet.
Debt at NOK 4,5 billion
However, Trade and Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre (Arbeiderpartiet) promised that in January the restaurant, culture and night industries would receive payments under the compensation scheme for business and industry.
That's not enough for many companies, Ismail believes.
"MDG has received many requests for help from desperate people who see their livelihoods end soon," he says.
According to data from the Tax Administration, by September 2021, over 10 companies had temporarily deferred payment taxes, fees and certain other claims. The amount they owed at the time was just over NOK 4,5 billion.
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Source: NTB
