The doubts surrounding the closing of the lottery stores started as soon as measures of restriction to agglomerations began to appear throughout the country as cancellation of classes, sporting events, among other measures. Last Thursday FEBRALOT released a note informing the network that it was still negotiating with Caixa, the manager of the lottery units, which measures would be taken.
On the same day, the bank issued a circular in which it gives the following guidelines for the category: UL operating suspension license from the Lottery Manifestation, up to 90 days; Provision of credit operation using PIS with a rate of 0.8333% + TR in up to 24 months; Reduction in the rate of the renegotiation loan operation, exclusively for lottery companies from 1.19% to 0.99%; Pause of installments of all PJ loans from lottery players up to 180 days; Stranding up to 20% of the tickets distributed and suspending future contests of the Federal Lottery for 3 months.
Despite the measures announced by the two entities, many doubts remained in the air. In this exclusive interview with GMB, Jodismar Amaro, president of FEBRALOT, clarifies the main points and what steps will still be studied for the rest of the crisis period.
GMB - What was recommended by FEBRALOT or Caixa regarding the closing of the lottery stores?
Jodismar Amaro - It was not recommended to close anything. This is at the discretion of the lottery retailer. If he understands that he shouldn't be at risk, he has the option of closing his store at no charge. It can close because it was authorized by the Caixa circular. The businessman sends a letter to Caixa saying that he will stop working for a period and is authorized without any problem. It is an individual decision.
Did these guidelines resonate well within the lottery network? Did the entrepreneurs feel attended to?
We are negotiating in parts. What was possible to release the most urgent, we released on Wednesday last week, on Thursday another package came out and we are working on other measures. It greatly softened the situation of the network. Something's missing? Yes. But, we are still in contact with Caixa and I believe that by today or tomorrow, we have completed this package of measures.
What things are missing, what are they about? What are you looking for?
We are looking for a settlement in the lottery accounts that have a liability. For this, if the store is closed, he owes it to Caixa. So, we are looking for a solution, perhaps, through a loan so that the retailer can clear his account and not be negative. In the case of an orientation by the government to close all stores, the entrepreneur would not have a liability, would not owe, would not pay interest. This is the main proposal: try to solve the problem of account 043, that is the one of the lottery retailer with Caixa.
And how is the day-to-day life of lottery retailers in the midst of the crisis? Has FEBRALOT received any complaints?
This is administered individually. We have some that have already chosen to close the store. They thought they didn't want to take the risk, sent a letter to Caixa and closed it. We have cases of entrepreneurs who preferred to close. It is individual. Each one will manage in his own way within some general rules. Whoever wants to take a greater precautionary measure, closes. There are people reducing hours, opening at 10 am and closing at 5 pm. There is no restriction on the lottery to manage their store. Caixa allows and the retailer reduces hours or even closes with no problem.
What is FEBRALOT's message to lottery retailers at this moment?
The message is one of calm. Let all care be taken, preserve the health of employees and the population. Whoever has a problem of contamination in the store, this one has to take greater care, probably dismissing the employees and ending the service. But we cannot panic. The problem exists and the best way to treat it is to take proper care without panic.
Source Exclusive GMB
