Waiver on liquor licence renewal fee for industry withdrawn

In an unexpected move, the government has withdrawn the waiver on liquor license renewal fee for the tourism sector that was made available till 31 December 2022.

Tourism industry sources said the waiver on the said renewal fee that was offered initially was for the whole of 2021 and 2022.

A government gazette published last week indicated that the waiver ends on 31 March 2021, nine months before the initial date. Tourism sector stakeholders told Mirror Business they were taken by surprise as they only learned about the withdrawal via the gazette.

No consultations were made with the industry representatives, nor did the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) or the Ministry of Tourism alert the stakeholders of such a decision.

Industry representatives told Mirror Business that while it is understandable that no new relief can be offered, the government must continue to provide breathing space to the sector by continuing the relief that was promised.