HYDERABAD: Bar owners across Telangana have raised concerns over significant business losses attributed to the operation of permit rooms adjacent to wine shops. On Friday, members of the Telangana Bar and Restaurant Owners Association staged a protest in front of the Excise Department office, demanding immediate government intervention.
The association highlighted that the presence of permit rooms near bars has led to a decline in customer footfall, adversely affecting their revenue. Some bar owners are reportedly facing the prospect of closing their establishments due to the intensified competition from these permit rooms. They emphasized that the proliferation of permit rooms is undermining the bar industry, leading to financial instability for many operators.
Additionally, the association expressed concerns about the increasing number of unauthorized liquor outlets, known as belt shops, in villages and urban neighborhoods, which are causing significant inconvenience to local residents. They also pointed out the discrepancy in operating hours, noting that while wine shops in districts operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, those within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits are permitted to remain open until 11:00 PM. The association urged the government to standardize operating hours across all regions to ensure fair competition.
Bar owners warned that the decline in their revenue due to the competition from permit rooms could also result in decreased tax contributions to the state government. They called upon the authorities to address these issues promptly to safeguard the interests of the bar and restaurant industry in Telangana.
