First, we would need to agree on the term "small restaurant". Are we talking about the size of the premises or is it a "simple" establishment, a local one with no mention in a guide?

A restaurant is a business, therefore a private affair. It is up to the owner or manager to make the right decisions to ensure their restaurant is attractive.

There are many "small restaurants" that function perfectly well and are regularly full. They offer dishes prepared "in-house", with regional products, without their prices being prohibitive. They attract food lovers or diners interested in quality and generally do not lack customers.

Large restaurant chains generally offer what is called "junk food or fast food" and mainly appeal to young people or families.

I do not understand why a restaurant would need protection if it is properly managed.

I say yes, but I have no idea how it works in the restaurant industry. I think someone should better control organised crime, which is certainly well-infiltrated in these environments. Perhaps we need someone higher up to carry out blanket checks. Restaurants, beauty salons and hairdressers are springing up like mushrooms; I doubt these are environments where everything is done properly and cleanly. Not to mention the property market, who knows what's going on there... we need to keep a better watch.