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India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
'No alcohol' protest at over 20,000 bars in Maharashtra today over duty hikes
Maharashtra's hospitality sector, comprising over 20,000 bar owners—including 8,000 in Mumbai and its suburbs and 11,500 hotel-based bars—has announced a statewide 'Bar Bandh' and 'No Alcohol' strike today in protest against the Devendra Fadnavis government's decision to hike excise unprecedented shutdown, supported by regional hotel associations in Palghar, Vasai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Nashik, marks one of the largest unified protests in Maharashtra's hospitality history. The protests will be led by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI). advertisementLast week, the Maharashtra government decided to impose a 60% hike in excise duty, a 15% increase in annual FL3 license fees for FY26, and a 10% VAT on Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) sold at FL3 outlets. These measures, aimed at addressing financial strain from the Ladki Bahin scheme, have sparked outrage among bar owners, who warn of an existential threat to their tax hikes have significantly increased liquor prices, hitting consumers hard. A 180-ml bottle of country liquor, previously priced at Rs 60– Rs 70, now costs Rs 80. Maharashtra-made liquor is now priced at Rs 148. Indian-made foreign liquor has risen from Rs 130 to Rs 205, and premium foreign liquor now costs Rs 360, up from Rs 210.'This triple blow will force many establishments to shut permanently. Our members are fighting for survival,' said Jimmy Shaw, President of Shaw added that the hospitality sector, which supports over 20 lakh jobs and attracts 15 crore tourists annually, is a vital pillar of Maharashtra's economy. HRAWI warns that the current tax regime could lead to widespread bar closures, over 4 lakh job losses, a shift of tourists to more affordable neighbouring states, and a rise in unregulated alcohol to the controversy, the state's plan to issue 328 new liquor sale licenses, primarily to companies rather than individual shopkeepers, has raised allegations of favouritism. Each liquor manufacturing company will reportedly receive eight licenses, and the committee overseeing foreign liquor production licenses is chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, whose son, Jay Pawar, is also a director at Capovitez, a liquor manufacturing has fueled accusations of a conflict of interest, with critics like UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut stating, 'Maharashtra is turning into a land of drunkards,' and social activist Anjali Damania arguing, 'Ajit Pawar should not head this committee.' However, Ajit Pawar has avoided commenting on the has urged the government to rationalise the excessive tax hikes, reconsider the mandatory yearly revision of license fees, and engage in dialogue with industry bodies to create a sustainable policy framework. Both the public and industry stakeholders are now left questioning whose interests the government's liquor policies truly serve.- Ends
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Bar Bandh: Over 20,000 hotel bars in Maharashtra to suspend alcohol service on July 14 in protest against liquor tax hike
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 13, 2025, 23:02 IST In a major protest against the recent hikes in liquor-related taxes, more than 20,000 bars and restaurants across Maharashtra will suspend alcohol service on Monday, July 14, as part of a state-wide 'Bar Bandh'. The protest, called by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), aims to draw attention to what the industry describes as an 'existential threat' posed by the state government's new tax regime. The hikes include: A 60% increase in excise duty Doubling of VAT on liquor served at hotels and bars from 5% to 10% A 15% increase in annual licence renewal fees for FY26 Over 11,500 hotel-based bars have already confirmed their participation, alongside thousands of standalone bars and restaurants in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Vasai, and Palghar. The protest is also supported by the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), making it one of the largest coordinated actions in the state's hospitality sector. Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI, said in a press release: 'This tax hike is nothing short of an existential threat to the hospitality sector. Many establishments will be forced to shut permanently. Our members are not just expressing dissent — they are fighting for survival.' The tourism and hospitality industry contributes significantly to Maharashtra's economy, supporting over 20 lakh direct and indirect jobs and attracting more than 15 crore tourists annually. Industry representatives argue that the compounded financial burden could lead to the closure of thousands of small and medium establishments, loss of over four lakh jobs, reduced tourist inflow, and a rise in unregulated alcohol consumption. 'An average tourist spends ₹2,000–₹5,000 a day, much of it on food and beverages. With these taxes, Maharashtra risks becoming one of the most expensive states for leisure tourism,' Shaw added. HRAWI has called on the Maharashtra government to reconsider the increases and engage with industry representatives to create a more balanced, sustainable tax framework. As the Bar Bandh takes effect on July 14, customers can expect disruption to alcohol service in establishments ranging from luxury hotels to budget eateries across the state. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Support for ‘bar bandh' today
Mumbai: As part of the state-wide protest against the Maharashtra government's liquor tax regime, the Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) HRAWI has appealed and urged over 11,500 hotels to support the Bar Bandh and No Alcohol call on Monday. tnn
