MUMBAI: The liquor served to you in a bar, lounge, club, discotheque or a cafe will get a little costlier. Maharashtra goverment has increased the VAT by 5% for permit room liquor service to make it to to total 10%. A GR to this effect was issued on Friday. However, there is no rise for liquor services in star hotels as already their VAT is at higher level, that is 20%.
Hoteliers say the increase of excise licenses fee recently by govt has already added the burden eventually making the liquor costlier for consumers. When states are competing to get maximum revenue and tourists, it will jolt our policy, they added. However, the rise will not affect over-the-counter sales at wineshops.
