Lasithi food-service associations press for action on BOAK road works, inspections and costs

The presidents of 2 food-service associations in Lasithi are calling for action on road access, business inspections and rising operating costs. They met on Tuesday, 4 August to review the sector’s problems and plan a joint campaign, according to CretaOne.

Manolis Michelarakis, president of the Coffee and Food Service Association of Ierapetra, held the working meeting with Manos Giapitzakis, president of the Food Service Association of Agios Nikolaos. The 2 presidents said they examined prospects for a coordinated push for solutions across the prefecture.

Concerns over BOAK road works

Both presidents raised concerns over repeated traffic disruptions on the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK). The disruptions reduce the flow of visitors toward Lasithi and directly cut trade at food-service venues, according to the 2 associations.

Inspections and noise limits

The 2 presidents described the problems that businesses face from inspections for exceeding noise limits. They called for the legislative framework to be rationalized so that venues operate normally without threatening local businesses.

Operating costs and market conditions

The associations pointed to rising operating costs and weaker consumer spending in the municipalities of Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. They said these pressures weigh on food-service businesses across both areas.

Return of the Agios Nikolaos association to OEBENL

Michelarakis, who also serves as secretary of the Federation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants of Lasithi Prefecture (OEBENL), said the meeting covered reintegrating the Food Service Association of Agios Nikolaos into the federation. He described the return as a decisive step toward a unified front. He said unity among Lasithi professionals is the only way for the sector to press decision-makers with one voice.

The 2 presidents agreed to keep in regular contact and to organize joint actions in the period ahead.