CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh Hospitality Association on Saturday opposed the drive carried out by excise and taxation department against hotels, restaurants, pubs and discos, giving offers and discounts on drinks.
Recently, the department had issued challans of 15 outlets for offering discounts on alcoholic beverages after issuing advertisements through an online food delivery app on
Raksha Bandhan. Besides, challans were issued to seven hotels for serving drinks to youths below 25 years age.
Chandigarh Hospitality Association president Ankit Gupta said the existing law dents Chandigarh image of a tourism destination which saw a huge surge after the
UNESCO world heritage status.
"The association firmly believes and promotes responsible drinking. Today’s market is a consumer driven market. The authorities must understand that hospitality outlet financially loses on offering a 1+1 or a 2+1 scheme as there are no rebates on the purchase. The scheme is offered considering the market sentiment and dynamics and should be encouraged so statutory requirements are fulfilled," He said.
They demanded that the administration which is generally proactive should consider lowering the permissive drinking age to 18 from existing 25 years.
As per Punjab Excise Act, 1915, Section 23, the liquor consuming age in Chandigarh is 25 years. Presently, the majority of hotel, restaurants and bars do not ask youngsters about their age, who come to drink and enjoy.
(Representative image)
