Liquor bar owners strike

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Protesting against Maharashtra's VAT policy, 650 permit room and beer bar owners in the district observed a one-day strike on Friday, resulting in an estimated Rs 2.5 crore business loss.

President of the District Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association Shivaji Patil, stated that 300 of these establishments operate in the city, while the rest are in rural areas. While most bars remained shut during the day, many reopened by evening. The association demands the revocation of the 10% VAT on liquor and a reduction in steep annual license renewal fees. Instead, they advocate for a "First Point Tax" at the production stage. National and state-level associations have already petitioned the government, so no fresh representation was submitted locally. Bar owners warn of intensified agitation if demands are unmet, highlighting the financial burden on the industry.