Mandatory controls, even for accessing hospitality areas, have drastically reduced income in some establishments. At the 'Paradise' lounge, located on Florida Street in Vitoria-Gasteiz, they point out a significant drop at the bar: "Before, during the week, we made € 400 . Now, if we're lucky, we get to €70." The impact is not limited to the hospitality industry.
According to the report, some customers feel uncomfortable having to register their personal data for basic consumption, which affects general attendance. "If a group arrives and one does not want to register, they all end up leaving," they explain at the Fueros lounge. In addition, staff face operational challenges with system maintenance and attention to manual registrations when the machines do not recognize the data due to changes in the physical appearance of the customers.
From Gasteiz Hoy, the duality of the impact is reflected: although the controls have improved security and prevented the entry of minors, they have also generated a significant economic and operational cost. The gaming halls highlight how the regulations affect their competitiveness compared to other sectors. "We feel that the Inspection and Local Police are watching us, but they are there to collect taxes," criticises one of the premises interviewed. The general press also includes the operators' proposals to minimise losses.
These include the relocation of facial readers in the exclusive gaming areas, instead of the main entrance, and the creation of a single register that allows access to be validated in multiple premises without having to repeat the process in each one. Peio de Frutos, secretary of Aseuskadi (pictured), underlines in the report the transformation that the sector has experienced.
Although the latest technology controls reinforce security, the economic and social impact is evident. "It is time to defend our reputation and highlight our contributions to society," he says, also highlighting the regulatory inequality between public and private gaming.
