Punjab’s move raises hope of city hoteliers

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 24

The decision of the Punjab Government to amend the Excise Act to allow sale of liquor in restaurants and hotels within 500 metres of national and state highways has raised the hope of city hoteliers to see the revival of their business.

The Government of Punjab has recently amended the Act to allow sale of liquor in hotels and restaurants within 500 metre of national and state highways.

For the past three months, business of a majority of hotels and restaurants have came to a standstill after the Supreme Court banned the sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and state highways.

The order was a huge blow to the hotel industry as approximately 88 hotels situated on the National Highway 21 and the state highway Madhya Marg in the city have been affected.

Facing worst business crisis after the liquor ban, owners of hotels and restaurants situated in Sectors 26, 7, 35, 43 and the Industrial Area have already retrenched several employees.

While hoteliers want that the Administration should follow the decision of the Punjab Government as it follows the Punjab VAT Act, the Administration has not taken any decision on this so far.

A senior officer of the administration said implementation of the amendment requires nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said as the Punjab Excise Act is applicable in Chandigarh, the administration would have to send amendments to the Ministry for approval.

Speaking out

The decision must be implemented immediately as the business in the city has come to a standstill. It has affected jobs of a large number of people. — MPS Chawla

There is no need for the Administration to seek nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs before implementing the decision as it follows the Punjab pattern in the Excise Act. — Arvinder Pal Singh

When the Administration implemented VAT amendments made in the past without seeking approval, then why they will now seek nod for the amendment made by the Punjab Government. They hope favourable decision from the administration. — Gurvinder Juneja 

The business of hotels has already reduced by more than 60 per cent which makes it difficult for them to survive. In view of the severity of the problem, the administration should implement the decision of the Punjab Government immediately. — Ashok Bansal

The amendment

The Government of Punjab has recently amended the Act to allow sale of liquor in hotels and restaurants within 500 metre of national and state highways.