Thiruvananthapuram: Even as the government faces a severe financial crisis, the tax arrears of bar owners have exceeded Rs 200 crore. This is the amount that must be paid to the government by way of sales tax over time. Two weeks ago, the government stopped supplying liquor to bars that did not clear dues. However, this decision was withdrawn within four days due to pressure from the bar owners association. 

In the face of government’s action, some bar owners were ready to pay dues. However, those with huge arrears did not budge. A section of the bar owners allege that the finance minister’s office intervened to withdraw the decision to not supply alcohol. 

Some at the leadership level of the bar owners association have advised against paying the dues saying there will be a favourable decision from the government’s end. The mystery of the government’s sudden withdrawal of the tough stand that it took against defaulters remains. Especially so since it is known for taking such tough decisions in other sectors but seems to adopt laxity when it comes to bar owners.

The government in response says that the sudden stopping of supply to bars will promote the sale of fake liquor. After 2016, the tax arrears of bars owners have increased significantly.