Liquor licence fee hike may be withdrawn

26 December 2015 03:32 am

The budget decision to increase the licence fee on liquor production to Rs.150 million is to be withdrawn, government sources said.

Several complaints have been received from liquor producers about the financial difficulties they may have to face due to the increase of the licence fee .
After considering their plea the government is to take the decision to withdraw the increase, sources said.

Meanwhile economists have warned the government about the possibility of a collapse in many liquor production companies if the fee up to Rs.150 million was implemented.

At present there are 24 liquor producing companies in the country. (Ajanthakumara Agalakada, Mahinda Nissanka)