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Telangana Bar Owners Call Shutdown Over Proposed Fee Hikes
Bar and restaurant owners in Telangana planned to close their businesses on Monday to protest changes they say could make it harder to operate.
One report says the yearly fee for a bar increased from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 45 lakh.
Karimnagar owners also planned to join a protest in Hyderabad on October 5.
They objected to a proposed new tax and a higher bar slab.
They said those changes could make some liquor prices rise by Rs 10 to Rs 15.
Owners say bars are already under financial strain, and that permit rooms at liquor shops add to their difficulties.
They also worry about jobs and families that depend on the businesses.
The association asked the government to reconsider the changes.
The Telangana Bar and Restaurant Owners Association called for a statewide shutdown on Monday to protest higher bar licence fees and proposed regulations.
One report says the annual bar licence fee rose from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 45 lakh under a new notification.
Karimnagar owners said they would close for one day on October 5 and join a protest at Abkari Bhavan in Hyderabad.
Owners also objected to a proposed privilege tax and a bar slab increase from 8 per cent to 20 per cent, which they said could add Rs 10 to Rs 15 to liquor prices.
The association cited financial pressure, competition from permit rooms at liquor shops, and risks to businesses and employment; it urged the government to reconsider or withdraw the measures.
- Who
- The Telangana Bar and Restaurant Owners Association and bar owners, including owners in Karimnagar.
- What
- Owners called for a shutdown and protests against a reported licence-fee increase and proposed tax and regulatory changes.
- Where
- Telangana; a protest was planned at Abkari Bhavan in Hyderabad, while another report mentions the State Excise office.
- When
- Monday; Karimnagar owners specified October 5. The articles do not give the year.
- Why
- Owners say the measures would worsen financial pressures, threaten businesses and employment, and add to challenges including competition from permit rooms.
Owners’ concerns
Government action described in reports
Licence fees
Owners’ concerns
The association says the increase from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 45 lakh is unaffordable and asks the government to reconsider and reduce the fee.
Government action described in reports
A new government notification inviting applications for bars and restaurants sets the annual licence fee at Rs 45 lakh, up from Rs 40 lakh under the previous notification.
Proposed taxes and regulations
Owners’ concerns
Karimnagar representatives object to a proposed privilege tax and increase in the bar slab from 8 per cent to 20 per cent, warning of higher liquor prices and pressure on businesses and jobs.
Government action described in reports
The report describes these as proposed government measures; it does not provide the government’s rationale or response.
Key facts
- Previous annual bar licence fee
- Rs 40 lakh
- New annual bar licence fee
- Rs 45 lakh, according to one report
- Shutdown
- One day on Monday; Karimnagar owners specified October 5
- Planned protest site
- Abkari Bhavan in Hyderabad; another report refers to the State Excise office
- Proposed bar slab change
- From 8 per cent to 20 per cent, according to Karimnagar association representatives
- Estimated possible liquor price increase
- Around Rs 10 to Rs 15 on the MRP, according to the Karimnagar association
- Owners' request
- Reconsider or withdraw the measures and reduce the annual licence fee
Sources
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