The Sostegni-bis Decree has dedicated a lot to restaurants and bars. In fact, an allocation of 40 billion euros in aid is foreseen, of which 17 billion are non-repayable, for activities that have been affected by the impact of covid-19 and restrictions.

However, there will be a new calculation to distribute aid more equitably. It will relate to the reference period and the profits for the year. There will also be various cuts in fixed costs and initiatives aimed at favoring businesses.

The Decree also provides for an allocation of 100 million euros to economic activities which, due to the restrictions, have had to remain closed for at least four months between January 1st 2021 and the date of conversion of the provision into law. It is a particular help for bars and restaurants which, having no outdoor spaces or dehors, have never been able to reopen their business, at least until 1 June, when there will also be the green light for indoor drinks.

So let’s see how the aid works. There is the classic contribution, the one already recognized with the first decree, to which is added a method based on the new calculation of the drop in turnover and focused on the drop in profits.

There is the automatic adjustment for those who have already received the grant. A similar sum will be paid. Eight billion euros have already been allocated, the same recognized with the first Support Decree, for economic operators blocked by Covid-19 restrictions.

Alternative equalization: non-repayable contribution which can be accessed with the difference in turnover, obtained within the period from April 1st 2020 to March 31st 2021, which must be at least 30 percent lower than the average monthly amount of the period corresponding to the previous year.

Alternative refreshment can also be requested by those who have been excluded from the contributions provided for by the first decree, with a percentage increased as partial compensation for not having received aid in the previous months.