Reform of Cafe and Restaurant Sector
Stringency on December 11 2024, Morocco Spain Portugal were selected to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup tournament and subsequent to this announcement the Federation of Cafe and Restaurant Owners has prepared an action document outlining proposed regulation to improve service quality while structuring activity – this text will soon be submitted to government for their consideration.
Noureddine El Harraq, President of the National Council of Cafe and Restaurant Owners announced on January 25, 2025, that their council would meet on this date to deliberate and vote upon a draft law for cafes, restaurants and cultural establishments that belong to this sector. At this meeting two primary themes will be addressed; operating conditions at establishments as well as temporary occupation of public domain will all come up at some point during their deliberations process.
El Harraq highlighted, in an interview with Hespress FR, how cafe and restaurant services have long been operating without an established legal framework, leading to chaos within this sector. According to El Harraq, National Association is now trying to put an end to such disorganization by setting clear regulations with laws in order for their proper operation of such activities.
El Harraq noted that the Association had already submitted a summary document to Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of Interior. They wanted to explore broad outlines for potential legislation; however, according to El Harraq they haven’t received an official reply yet from him so as to begin discussions further.
El Harraq stressed the need for efficient preparations of this meeting to avoid complications during parliamentary debates and adoption by competent authorities, in particular through adopting its text. His key questions included “Who has the right to exercise this activity and do they meet the necessary qualifications and criteria?,” along with reminding of its necessity of regulation alongside similar sectors like pharmacy. His ultimate aim: controlling this sector through setting mandatory conditions that assure high-quality food products with healthy consequences while safeguarding consumer wellbeing – his key focus.
El Harraq also raised the issue of temporary occupation of public property and explained how its lack of clear regulations creates conflict: when foreign investors arrive and identify spaces to develop in great detail – including plans, infrastructure and other essential elements; yet once granted by an administrative committee they could find themselves facing unexpected decisions such as shutting down for legal reasons when everything seems fine initially.
El Harraq noted that these proposals seek to position the sector for major international events like the 2030 World Cup by strengthening food and health security within it.
This approach fits within an environment in which different sectors seek to anticipate the challenges posed by global events by shifting priorities as necessary in order to meet current demands and stay ahead of them.