Covid second wave: Slash down property tax, electricity bills, requests B’luru hotels owners

Bengaluru: The owners of hotels, restaurants, and pubs in Bengaluru on Thursday, April 15 demanded the state government to slash down property tax, fixed charges in electricity bills, and exemption in excise license rates to help them survive in the industry.

The request to slash down property tax, fixed charges in electricity bills, and exemption in excise license rates comes after restrictions were imposed by the government to control the ongoing second wave

In a letter addressed to Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, President of Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association (BBHA) P C Rao wrote, “While the hotel industry is yet to resurrect from the losses experienced during the coronavirus-induced lockdown last year, the second wave has hit the industry again. The 50 per cent seating rule and night curfew have further burdened us with more losses this time.”

Among other demands put forth by the BBHA are 50 per cent exemption in license charges of the Pollution Control Board, Food Safety and charges levied as per the Karnataka Shops and Establishment Act.