Restaurant owners say public events eating into their business

The Cyprus association of hospitality venues (Pasika) on Thursday called on newly elected mayors and municipal councils to be vigilant and stringent in granting permits for public events, stressing that festivals are hurting their businesses.

In its statement, Pasika said that it is necessary for public authorities to set criteria, standards, and conditions, including the association’s involvement, for approved events.

Moreover, the association expressed significant concern over the surge of complaints from its members regarding the numerous events being held across Cyprus, especially in urban areas.

“The newly elected mayors and municipal councils must be cautious and very strict about what they allow and permit,” the association stated.

“They must establish criteria, specifications, and conditions with Pasika’s participation,” it added.

The association noted that there are rumours of five prominent business figures planning to announce a new, major beer festival, raising concerns among entertainment venue owners about their future prospects.

“Concerts, festivals, street parties, and street food parties, devised by various organisers for easy profit, are severely impacting restaurants and bars that struggle daily to survive amidst these challenging conditions,” Pasika said.

The association added that while it is not against events that promote Cyprus’s culture and traditions, “it stresses the importance of clear support for local communities and attracting visitors who stay for at least one night, especially in the capital, which suffers from low visitor numbers”.

“Pasika will do everything possible to halt this irrational situation without further delay,” the announcement concluded.