The government has given the approval to issue soft liquor licenses to all hotels and restaurants registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), or tourist establishments located in areas identified by the authority, with a view to boosting the country’s tourism sector.
Approval was granted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, effective from July 28, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies, pursuant to powers vested in him under Article 25, read with Article 32 of the Excise Ordinance.
According to a press release issued by the President, the decision to issue licence for soft liquor (such as beer and wine) sales was taken as a “flexible strategic move” uplift the tourism sector.
Thereby, all SLTDA-registered star-class hotels, boutique hotels, historic hotels, tourist hotels, tourist guest houses, tourist hostels, tourist bungalows, camp sites, historic bungalows, historic residences, tourist restaurants, food courts and tourist apartments will be conditionally allowed to sell soft liquor.
The licence, is priced at Rs. 25,000, is required to be renewed annually.
