The ban on the issuance of bar licenses will be lifted once a regulation to reduce alcohol consumption is ready. This was shared by the Economic Affairs Minister during his recent visit to Sarpang.
During the meeting, members of the business community in the district said that the ban has only led to an increase in illegal activities. They said fronting cases are rampant, with people operating bars with the licenses of others.
Ugyen Rapten, a member of the dzongkhag business development committee in Sarpang said it will also help the government generate revenue. “Why not issue fresh licenses so people can run businesses in their own names, they won’t have to hire someone else’s license,” he added.
Pema Tshering, a shopkeeper in Gelegphu said, “We didn’t know they would stop issuing licenses and now it is very difficult to find one now.”
“Without a license in our name, we are not allowed to operate bars. If the government starts issuing bar licenses again, it would be very beneficial” said Sangay Dolma who also runs a shop in Gelegphu.
The Economic Affairs Minister, Loknath Sharma said they are aware of the issue. He said the ministry has already proposed to lift the ban of bar license issuance but has been told to wait.
“The Ministry of Health has advised us to keep it on hold for some time. A group of them are working on it, I am sure it will be very positive” he said.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the health ministry is preparing an alcohol reduction regulation that could be ready by next year. They added the ban is likely to be lifted then.
The government suspended the issuance of new bar licenses in 2010.
Karma Wangdi, Gelegphu
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
