09 June,2011 07:23 AM IST | | Urvashi Seth
Hoteliers contend that the industry is already plagued by problems of new taxation and price hike, which have affected sales
Anticipating an adverse impact of the recently raised age limit for consuming alcohol, the Hotel and Restaurant Association-Western India (HRA-WI) has decided to approach Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan and urge him to reconsider his decision.
Wine shop owners say the government's latest move could kill the industry
Experts from hospitality industry complain that three pillars of hotel business service, ambience and food are getting affected badly because of the "harsh rules" imposed by government agencies.
And the decision of increasing the age limit from 21 to 25 years could spell doom for the industry as youth below 25 bring life and liveliness to nightlife in pubs and bars.
"We are soon going to meet the CM to discuss the matter. The industry is already facing problems of new taxation and price hike, which have affected the monthly sales. Now increasing the drinking age will further add to our woes," said Kamlesh Barot, president of HRA-WI.
Barot added that earlier this March a delegation of hoteliers had met senior excise officials where a presentation was made to the officers asking for the abolition of the drinking permit system. "Further change in drinking age permit will bring in more loss for the state exchequer and the industry.
And its ripple effect will be felt on tourism industry soon. A law that is feasible to all should be implemented," Barot added.
Atul Mohite, president Maharashtra Tour Organisers' Association (MTOA), echoed Barots sentiments. "Mumbai is known for its nightlife and watering holes where deals are clinched over a drink of whisky or a beer."
However, the increased age limit for drinking will definitely make the tourist shift their meetings from Mumbai to a neighbouring state where drinks can flow easily. The government should reconsider its decision," he said.
Sudhakar Shetty, president of Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) feels that the drinking permit licence law is outdated.
"This is not the first time such a law has been passed. The law is neither practical nor applicable. As of now, we have adopted the wait and watch policy," he said.
MiD DAY had carried a report ('Booze police crack a joke', Dec 11, 2009) on how the state government made an amendment, under Bombay Foreign Liquor rules, 1953, that allows sale of only two liquor bottles (or 750 ml) a week to one permit holder, which was twelve units earlier.
Citizens will also be required to take permission from the excise or police officials for serving alcohol during public functions such as birthday parties.
"This is completely weird. Why does the government have to kill the industry by implementing such weird laws, which are practically not feasible?" said a wine shop owner.
