Based on a consumption tax cut starting in April next year, a survey by a restaurant industry group found that many respondents expect customer numbers to decline, prompting calls for government support measures.
Regarding the consumption tax cut on food and beverages scheduled to begin next April, the Japan Foodservice Association, a restaurant industry group, surveyed its member companies and announced that 57.8% expect customer numbers to decline immediately after the tax cut.
The survey was conducted from 28 September to 8 October, with 204 companies responding. Of these, 8.3% expected a decline of 15% or more, 28.4% expected a decline of approximately 10%, and 21.1% expected a decline of approximately 5%, while 28.9% said the extent of the decline was unclear. By business type, family restaurants had the highest proportion expecting a decline of approximately 56?, followed by pubs and izakayas at 70.8% and dinner restaurants at 60.0%.
From next April, the tax rate is expected to remain at 10% for dining out, while the rate for boxed meals and prepared foods is expected to be reduced to 1%. The association is seeking government support, including premium meal vouchers, as a demand-boosting measure.