Maharashtra bars, permit rooms declare bandh on July 14 to protest tax hikes

Over 20,000 bars and permit rooms in Maharashtra will close on July 14 due to the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association's protest against the state government's increased taxes on liquor, including VAT and excise duty hikes. AHAR claims these tax increases are crippling the Rs 1.5 lakh-crore industry, leading to potential business closures, job losses, and increased liquor smuggling.