Barak Valley association seeks action against eateries operating sans permits

Silchar: The Barak Valley Hotel and Restaurant Association has demanded action against illegal restaurants, pubs and highway dhabas allegedly operating across Cachar district without mandatory licences and safety clearances.Addressing a press conference at a hotel in Silchar, members of the association alleged that several establishments were operating without valid trade licences, bar licences, food safety certificates and fire safety clearances, causing significant revenue losses to the govt through unpaid GST, excise duty and other taxes.The association claimed that while legally operated hotels and restaurants pay 6% VAT on liquor sales and comply with statutory regulations, many unauthorised establishments evade taxes altogether. It alleged that workers employed at such outlets are deprived of regular wages, health insurance and other legal benefits.“Licensed businesses incur heavy expenditure to obtain permits, pay taxes and ensure employee welfare, whereas illegal operators continue to function without adhering to rules, leading to unfair competition and affecting the district’s business environment,” said Mulchand Baid, one of the members of the association.The association alleged that the mushrooming of such unauthorised establishments was contributing to incidents of drunken brawls, road accidents, violence and eve-teasing, posing a threat to public safety and social order.Baid urged the district administration and other authorities concerned to launch drives against such illegal establishments and take exemplary action against violators.