Owners of bars and restaurants in the district on Thursday took out a rally from Samvidhan Chowk to the Collector Office in Civil Lines to protest the increased Value Addition Tax (VAT). The agitators raised slogans demanding the State Government to take back the hike in the VAT. More than a thousand bar and restaurant owners and staff members took part in the agitation. In addition to this, many bar and restaurant owners also observed bandh during evening hours.

 

The Maharashtra Government has recently increased the VAT on alcohol served in lounges, bars, clubs, and other establishments. The VAT has been raised by the Government from 5 per cent to 10 per cent with effect from November 1, 2023. The agitation was held under the banner of Nagpur District Permit Room Association. Vice President of the body Arun Jaiswal told The Hitavada that the agitation was a big success. “We are also planning to intensy the agitation in coming days if our demand is not addressed,” he said, adding that 850 bar and restaurant owners will join hands with their counterparts in the other districts of the State to protest the hike.