THE OBSERVER: Regulations likely to result in higher prices and shortages for delis and others
After a few minutes in the queue spent eyeing up the best on offer at the local deli, it is decision time.
Maybe some of the wonderful Parma ham from Italy? With a few slices of Spanish chorizo? And a piece of brie from that farm in Normandy … oh, and definitely some of the black olives from Greece.
The government may be making light of new and burdensome Brexit rules and regulations affecting imports to Great Britain from the EU that came into force on 1 January, but organisations representing small UK firms are not. The firms are worried about the impact on their businesses – and about the choices that will be available to their customers at their favourite specialist stores – on the high street.
The Federation of Small Businesses cites local delicatessens, many of which import from small specialist suppliers in the EU, as the type of operators that could be adversely affected.
“The classic example is your high street deli that is importing delicacies like, say, chorizo from Spain or parmesan from Italy,” says James Sibley, the federation’s head of international affairs. “For them, the thought of having to register for these systems is daunting and the process is expensive, so we’ve a lot of concern there. For those small businesses directly affected, we have picked up a lot of worry.” » | Toby Helm and Tom Wall | Saturday, January 1, 2022
Rest well tonight, my fellow countryman! Rest well in the knowledge that you have your blue passports back! Who needs a plentiful array of foodstuffs on the shelves of supermarkets when you can avail yourselves of blue passports? And who knows? BoJo might be able to conjure up a way of bringing back the British Empire! Rule Britannia, and all that! ‘Stay calm and carry on’! – © Mark
