Singapore FandB industry group seeks rental rebates to ride out covid-19 storm.

THE Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) has asked major landlords for support to tide its members over this difficult period when they have seen as much as 80 percent drop in sales amid the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The food and beverage (FandB) association told media on Thursday it had sent written requests early this week to 24 landlords, seeking rental rebates to help them cope with the sharp decline in business.

Jewel Changi was the first to respond, offering a 50 percent rental rebate for February and March, after which Jewel Changi will review the situation.

RAS hopes that other landlords may follow suit, given that rental coupled with labour costs make up about 55 percent of operating costs. Without immediate help, closures of...