Excise policy protest: Maharashtra bars, permit rooms to shut on July 14; Industry body calls tax hikes ‘draconian’

More than 20,000 bars in Maharashtra will shut down on July 14. The shutdown is a protest against increased taxes. The Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association announced the bandh. They claim the tax hikes threaten the hospitality sector. The association seeks a rollback of the tax increases. They want discussions with the government to protect jobs and tourism.