There is a pressing need to distinguish between the liquor license fees imposed on large urban businesses and those levied on rural operators. This recommendation was made to the government by Elimi Rokoduru during a recent post-budget consultation held in Lautoka.
Mr. Rokoduru emphasized that while liquor license fees serve as a crucial revenue stream for the government, it is inequitable for small rural operators to pay the same fees as larger urban establishments. He pointed out that larger hotels in the urban sector and small operators in rural areas face the same financial burden, and this disparity needs to be addressed to support the smaller businesses that help fuel local economies.
Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad noted that the fines stipulated under the liquor act are currently being reviewed. He acknowledged that fines should be adjusted to ensure they effectively deter irresponsible behavior, drawing a parallel to similar discussions regarding traffic offenses. “We need to raise fines and liquor licenses as well,” he stated, thanking participants for their contributions.
The dialogue about the liquor licensing system highlights a broader commitment to fairness in regulation and support for local enterprises, especially those in rural areas. This approach aims to ensure that smaller operators are not stifled by overly burdensome fees, potentially fostering a more balanced economic landscape across urban and rural sectors.
Overall, these discussions suggest a proactive stance from the government towards improving the business environment for rural operators, which could lead to a more equitable framework that promotes local entrepreneurship and economic vitality.
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