Cut in bar licence renewal fee sought

Tribune News Service

Mandi, March 17

The state Bar Owners’ Association has sought 90 per cent reduction in bar licence renewal fee, which has been increased up to 100 per cent in the HP Excise Policy 2019.

Association president Umesh Gautam said, “The new policy is a big setback to bar owners and hoteliers of the state. The bar licence renewal fee has been increased by 100 per cent. It should immediately be withdrawn.”

He said bar owners and hoteliers could not force their guests to consume liquor to achieve the target of the minimum lifting quota of liquor as per the government directions under its policy. Rampant liquor consumption was going unchecked on roadside dhabas and eateries and no action was being taken by officials of the excise and police departments.

“We urge Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to reverse the Excise Policy 2019 in favour of the bar owners of the state. Otherwise they will be left with no choice, but to surrender their licences to the HP Excise and Taxation Department as a mark of protest,” he said.

He said representatives of the association also met Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and apprised him of their demands.