Suspending sale of soft alcohol by SLTDA approved hotels, restaurants CA reverse order

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

The Excise Chief yesterday revoked his previous order given on Wednesday, now enabling the sale of soft liquor by hotels and restaurants approved under Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) with immediate effect.   

The Excise Commissioner General did it in compliance with the order of  the Court of Appeal yesterday referring to two petitions (313/2023, 371/2023) being heard at present, dismissing its previous order.   

The Court of Appeal on Wednesday ordered the suspension of all soft liquor licenses issued by the Department of Excise for the hotel, boutique hotels and restaurants, which were approved under the SLTDA.   

The soft liquor retail sellers had filed the petitions in the CA that allowing SLTDA approved hotels and restaurants to sell soft liquor like beer and wine, would incur a loss to their retail sales.