Beginning Wednesday, after years of pleas from French presidents, the European Union will allow member states to drop the value-added tax on restaurant meals to 5.5 percent from 19.6 percent. http://nytimes.com/pages/world/europe/
But is it too late? Fast food joints like McDonalds and sandwich shops which have always been taxed at the lower rate are now so well established that they’re flourishing – even as haute cuisine flounders. The French cafe moreover has been sharply declining – In 1960, France had 200,000 cafes, according to the National Federation of Cafes, Brasseries and Discothèques. Now there are 38,600, with more than 2,000 closing last year alone.
Lower prices for customers? Don’t hold your breath for big drop in this global recession where the travelling gourmet is at a premium.
