Telangana Bars and Restaurants to Shut Down Today Over Fee Hikes

More than 1,200 bars and restaurants across Telangana will remain closed today as part of a statewide protest against the state government’s recent decisions on licence conditions and fee revisions, the Telangana Bar and Restaurant Association said.

The association has urged the government to withdraw the proposed changes, arguing that the additional financial burden could make it difficult for establishments to sustain their businesses. It has particularly opposed the proposed increase in the bar slab from 8% to 20%, along with the proposed hike in the annual licence fee from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 44 lakh.

According to the association, bar operators are already paying between Rs 33 lakh and Rs 56 lakh annually towards licence-related fees, depending on their establishments. The proposed privilege fee, it said, would add another burden of around Rs 30 lakh per establishment.

The association also raised concerns over competition from permit rooms and belt shops attached to wine outlets. It said these establishments were already affecting the business of licensed bars and restaurants and that allowing more bars to operate could further intensify the competition.

The industry body warned that the latest measures could have wider implications for employment, with thousands of workers dependent on the sector potentially facing uncertainty if operating costs continue to rise.

The association has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposed privilege fee and a rollback of the fee increases. It said the statewide shutdown today was intended to draw attention to the concerns of bar and restaurant operators across Telangana.

The association further warned that if the government does not reconsider the measures, its members may stage a protest at the Excise Commissionerate.