Budget FY19: Parties, liquor in restaurants to become more expensive

If you are planning to visit a hotel, motel, resort, or restaurant that serves alcohol, or plan to enjoy yourself at any floor shows, don't forget to take some extra money in your pocket.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith has proposed a 20% supplementary duty (SD) on places that sell liquor with food items or arrange floor shows. The existing supplementary duty on such places is 10%

The minister made the proposal in presenting the budget to parliament on Thursday.

This increase in SD will mostly impact luxury hotels, motels, resorts and restaurants – particularly in tourist areas – that organize programs like musical events, concerts, and DJ parties.

In 2008, the government imposed the 10% duty on such services for the first time.