Panjim: A disappointed All Goa Bar & Restaurant Association has demanded that government revokes its recent decision to hike liquor fees. In its representation to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, the association members have slammed the ‘least regard given to one of the biggest industries in Goa.’
“We are shocked at the act of the government of increasing Excise License fees vide notification dated May 11, 2020. No one can doubt the contribution of Bar and Restaurants as an industry to the economy of Goa as well as growth of tourism in Goa. The current season has been one of the hardest on the industry and we have been struggling to stay afloat,” Association President Michael Carasco said.
The implementation of the hiked fees begins from May 15.
The concerned representatives said that currently, their business is not operational since March 2020, and yet are paying salaries, rents, taxes and all expenses connected thereto. “The government has shown least regard to one of the biggest industries of Goa, which is already overburdened with debts and expenses. At such challenging times, the government has acted heartless and shown no empathy to us when the industry is already crippled,” the petition said.
Therefore, the association has demanded that huge increase in Excise duty on liquor be withdrawn or reduced as the increase will have serious repercussions on the tourism as well as hospitality industry.
It has also sought renewal of existing licenses for next five years with existing fees by deducting fees pro-rata basis for the period of lockdown. “Increase in license fees based on area of the premises as well as based on AC or Non-AC category as per notification published on May 11, 2020 be withdrawn immediately. The pandemic is going to have a long-term effect and social distancing will have to be followed which would mean reduced seating capacity and against that backdrop, the restaurant business will suffer further and hence the notification should be revoked immediately,” the list of demand further mentions.
Claiming that no businesses have been charged license fees based on areas, the Association termed the move of the government as arbitrary and discriminatory.
Among other demands, it has also asked the government to consider their demand for reopening of bars and restaurants in order to dispose of the existing stock of liquor and to also allow the sale of liquor as takeaway, as has been allowed in some other States.
Meanwhile, in a meeting held on Wednesday evening, the Bar & Restaurant Association said that the Chief Minister has agreed to look into the issue of the fees to be charged as per the area.
