# Athens catering sector license freeze proposal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/athens-catering-sector-license-freeze-proposal
> Updated: 2026-10-04T14:27:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Giannis Daveronis, representing the Association of Restaurateurs, Holidaymakers and Related of Attica and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has proposed a freeze on new business licenses for catering, cafes, and similar establishments in areas experiencing over-concentration.

Daveronis suggests that local authorities conduct organized assessments to determine if specific regions have reached their capacity. He noted that this is intended for better planning in saturated regions rather than an abolition of the free market. The proposal follows pressures such as high taxation, labor shortages, and rising operating costs.

Further details indicate the proposal specifically targets high-density zones, such as parts of central Athens where some small areas host up to 70 competing establishments. This comes amid economic data from ELSTAT showing a 2.5% decline in the catering sector's turnover, dropping from 3.245 billion euros in the second quarter of 2025 to 3.165 billion euros in the second quarter of 2026.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Athens catering sector proposal seeks license freeze in saturated areas

A proposal has been made to freeze new catering licenses in over-saturated Greek areas, specifically in central Athens, to protect business sustainability amid declining turnovers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-catering-sector-proposal-seeks-license-freeze-in-saturated-areas

### 2026-09-30: Giannis Daveronis proposes license freeze for saturated catering areas

Giannis Daveronis proposes freezing new catering and cafe licenses in over-saturated areas to improve market planning and address sector pressures like high taxes and operating costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giannis-daveronis-proposes-license-freeze-for-saturated-catering-areas

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Cite as: Athens catering sector license freeze proposal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/athens-catering-sector-license-freeze-proposal