The restaurants and bars will remain closed on November 16 protesting hike in Value Addition Tax (VAT). The decision to increase VAT on liquor served in bars, lounges, clubs etc was taken by the Maharashtra Government. Nagpur District Permit Room Association has taken a decision to down their shutters on November 16 to protest the VAT hike.
Vice-president of the Association Arun Jaiswal informed the media that the association is against the increase in VAT, which is double the existing rate. The government has increased the VAT from 5 per cent to 10 per cent. The sellers have expressed fear that the quantum of their customers will be adversely affected. The ultimate result will be a loss in their business. The business was affected due to the ban on liquor sales near highways and during the Covid-19 pandemic. A hike in VAT would further affect the business.
The Association will also hold demonstrations on November 16 at Samvidhan Chowk. The Association also threatened to intensify its agitation by organising a state-level protest.