The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) says they are against the current restriction on the issuance of new bar licenses considering the increasing number of alcohol consumers and alcohol companies in the country.
The MoEA Minister revealed this during the question hour session of the National Assembly on Friday.
During the question hour session of the National Assembly, the Member of Parliament (MP) from the Chhumig Ura Constituency questioned the Economic Affairs Minister on the Ministry’s plan to lift the restriction on issuance of new bar licences in the country.
“It is easy to acquire a visa than to get a bar license in the country today. People running shops in rural places are not able to make much income as they do not have a bar licence. Despite not having bar licences, people are found selling alcohol illegally and when they are caught they have to pay hefty fines. I want to know what the government is doing to address this issue,” asked Karma Wangchuk, the Chhumig-Ura MP.
The Economic Affairs Minister in response said the Ministry is aware of the issue and has already completed research on the matter.
“As per our opinion, people in remote places not getting the bar licence but few people in urban areas getting the bar licences is not fair and something that we don’t support. The number of alcohol consumers has increased and people involved in fronting cases related to bar licences has also increased. We have finished our research on the matter and it will be submitted to the government for necessary feedback and comment. We feel it will be better if the government can look into it and lift the restriction,” said Loknath Sharma, the Minister of MoEA.
He further added the government would see if they can lift the restriction and issue bar licences through pricing or imposing taxes. The issuance of bar licenses in the country was suspended in 2010. However, only hotels with more than eight rooms and tourist standard restaurants can get a bar license.
Passang Dorji
