Bengaluru: If you are a bar-hopper you have something to smile about, as the government is planning to revert its Budget announcement of levying a special VAT on liquor served in bars and restaurants. If things go according to plan, a Bill will be introduced in the coming winter session of the state legislature in Belagavi to roll back the levy.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, excise minister, Sathish Jarkiholi recalled that the government had imposed a 5.5 per cent additional VAT on the liquor served in bars and restaurants in the last Budget much againt the wishes of bar owners, who were forced to pass on the burden to the customers.
“Now the government wants to revert its decision,” he said.
Noting that it had already withdrawn its order fixing a minimum liquor sale for every license- holder, he explained that the target given had made life difficult for bar owners as their customers not only drank, but also had some food with their drinks.
“This made it difficult for the bar owners to reach the target set for sale of liquor. And by withdrawing the order, the sale of liquor has not fallen,'' the minister observed, adding that he had sought an appointment with the Chief Minister to discuss the proposed changes in his department.
