The State Market Inspectorate of North Macedonia recently conducted a thorough sweep of local catering establishments, revealing serious issues with compliance among licensed entities. On March 21, 2025, during a press conference, Marija Miteva, the government spokesperson, shared details about the inspections carried out the previous day on March 20.
In total, the State Market Inspectorate (DPI) executed 82 inspections across various establishments to ensure adherence to the Law on Catering Activities. This extensive review aimed to protect public health and safety standards in the hospitality sector. Miteva announced that out of 23 licensed establishments, an alarming 13 were found not to meet the minimum technical requirements necessary for operation. "13 catering establishments do not meet the minimum technical requirements," Miteva stated, emphasizing the need for strict compliance in the industry.
As a consequence of these findings, the DPI will prepare decisions that will be sent to the Ministry of Economy. These recommendations will involve the revocation of licenses and issuance of bans on operations for the establishments that failed to comply. Miteva confirmed that the steps taken during these inspections reflect a commitment to enforcing the law. "Decisions will be prepared to the Ministry of Economy for license revocation and bans on operations," she added during the briefing.
Among the establishments inspected, special attention was drawn to five entities registered as bars or discotheques that had been found operating with expired licenses. Actions have been taken against these entities, leading to the banning of their operations.
Further analysis revealed that a total of 41 coffee clubs and bars were scrutinized, and out of these, 30 were flagged for violations of the Law on Catering Activities. Notably, 28 misdemeanor penalties were issued for various infringements, causing concern within the community regarding the standard of service being provided. Additionally, two establishments faced operational closures due to exceeding mandated working hours.
Miteva's call for compliance underscores the ongoing struggle within the sector to maintain operational integrity. During the conference, she noted, "30 of them have violations of the Law on Catering Activities," stressing the scrutiny these businesses will now be under to rectify their issues.
This push for stringent oversight is designed to ensure that all establishments adhere to the technical regulations necessary for safe operation. The DPI’s recent inspections are just part of a larger strategy to enhance safety standards in North Macedonia’s hospitality industry. Following these inspections, further evaluations and controls are anticipated as the Inspectorate continues its efforts to ensure compliance across the board.
While the immediate repercussions for the non-compliant establishments are clear, they also highlight a wider issue within the hospitality sector that deserves attention. Miteva, providing insight into the broader picture, stated, "There are many more for which analysis and checks are ongoing," indicating that additional establishments may soon be under review.
The commitment to uphold regulatory standards reaffirmed during the conference reflects a growing awareness of the importance of safety in public spaces, ensuring both patrons and employees are protected. Increased vigilance is likely to continue as authorities respond to these violations and enforce penalties in the future.
As the situation evolves, industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these inspections. The success of the initiatives undertaken by the State Market Inspectorate may serve as a model for similar regulatory bodies elsewhere, signifying a step forward in protecting both the integrity of businesses and the welfare of consumers.
