"We express our deepest closeness and solidarity towards the many workers who belong to the Horeca sector of our country and at the same time we underline our convinced and decisive opposition to the provisions that force bars and restaurants to close early at 6 pm" .
This is the position unanimously expressed by Club Excellence, a reality that brings together 18 of the most important Italian distributions and imports of fine wines and spirits after the issuance of the last DPCM (Decree of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers) in force since Monday October 26, 2020.
"This is a very hard blow for a sector that is fundamental not only for the agri-food sector of our country, but for the entire Italian economy. Bars and restaurants represent the final link in a supply chain in which thousands of companies work" underlines Massimo Sagna , President of Club Excellence . "Public businesses in general, but in particular those who administer food and drinks, are among the most discriminated categories at the moment, despite being among the first to adapt to the provisions and regulations put in place to contain the spread of the Covid virus -19 " .
"The large investments and sacrifices that the entire Horeca sector has taken on since last June - reduction in the number of seats, distancing between diners, reorganization of spaces and structures - today are completely eliminated and, in fact, there is a risk of condemning the definitive closure of thousands of activities in this sector " .
"We cannot share this decision, the result of a lack of planning and long-term vision in dealing with an emergency that has lasted for more than 8 months and which, most likely, will not see its end in a short period. of perspectives, the underestimation of the consequences of the pandemic and the announced second wave now dramatically affects categories that cannot be considered the cause of the current situation, as for over four months they have adapted to the rules in force by operating in a context in which the pandemic remained under control " .
"The current Prime Ministerial Decree creates discrimination against a sector evidently considered not only superfluous and unnecessary, but almost, wrongly, one of the main sources of contagion. The grants and non-repayable economic support that the government intends to provide is not they can represent a solution and risk not having the desired effects, namely the survival of a sector condemned to extinction by those who would like to help it " .
Club Excellence is aware of the difficult historical moment we are experiencing and the danger of the pandemic in progress: the more than 1400 agents it brings together under its aegis will continue, as always, to carry out their daily work scrupulously following the rules that aim at prevention and protection of the health of all citizens without missing the support and assistance to the Club customers who represent a very significant percentage of the quality Horeca companies in our country. At the same time, on behalf of the 18 companies it represents, Club Excellence reiterates its firm opposition to regulations that jeopardize the economic equilibrium of tens of thousands of people who have contributed to the definition of the Made in Italy concept, contributing in a decisive way to the attractiveness of our country in terms of tourism and culture. "We appeal to the Presidents of the Regions to consider the possibility of issuing exceptions to the Prime Minister's Decree to allow for a more regular performance of activities where the conditions are met. We are also available to participate in a discussion table with institutions and other actors of the supply chain, to define more appropriate measures in line with the current economic and health scenario " .
Club Excellence is a Cooperative Company founded in 2012 with the aim of promoting the culture of distribution, which brings together eighteen of the major Italian importers and distributors of excellent wines : Sagna SpA, Meregalli Group, Cuzziol Grandivini Srl, Pellegrini SpA, Balan Srl. Sarzi Amadè Srl, Vino & Design Srl, Teatro del Vino Srl, Proposal Wines sas, Bolis Srl, Les Caves de Pyrene Srl, Premium Wine Selection PWS Srl, Ghilardi Selezioni Srl, Visconti 43 Srl, Première Srl. AGB Selezione Srl, Philarmonica Srl, Spirits & Colori srl.