New Delhi August 9: Rajasthan government is trying to shore up the revenues by increasing liquor prices, VAT and licence fees. But now, the state government is forcing bars and beer lounges to increase sales. According to The Times of India report, nearly 300 bars have received notices to pay penalty for not selling 10 per cent more alcohol, compared to last year. Beer Brands Like Budweiser, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois Banned For 3 Years in Delhi; Imported Liquor May Soon Get Cheaper in National Capital.

Reacting to the development, secretary of Hotel Bar Owners Welfare Association (HBOWA) Dilip Tiwari, speaking to The Times of India, said, "The authorities concerned want us to increase sales by 10%. Many hotels face competition due to the increase in the number of bars and lounges and failed to register a 10% growth in sales." Liquor Price Hike: Cost of Alcoholic Drinks to be Increased by 5 Per Cent.

Earlier, only wine and beer shops were covered in the policy of 10 per cent year-on-year increase. But without any consultation with bar owners, bars in hotels, restaurants and lounges have been brought in the policy, TOI reported.

Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan government has also increased license fee from Rs 7 lakh to 8 lakh. The value-added tax (VAT) was also raised from 20 per cent to 24 per cent.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2019 01:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).