ASMET appeals for reconsideration of soft liquor licence cancellations

Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) President Rohan Abeywickrama has expressed concern over the recent announcement regarding the suspension of soft liquor licences. 

He has penned a letter to the Commissioner General of Excise Department, stating that the decision has had an adverse impact on the tourism industry, particularly affecting small and medium-scale hotels that may not have the financial capacity to invest around Rs.1.5 million to obtain liquor licences.

Abeywickrama underscored the importance of aligning decisions with the broader vision of the President, who aims to attract 5 million tourists by 2025. He pointed out that achieving this ambitious target hinges on ensuring the availability of beer and wine in all tourist establishments possessing valid tourism licences. 

“In light of this, we kindly request a reconsideration of the decision to cancel existing licences. We propose that licences be issued to those establishments that are actively contributing to the influx of foreign currency into the country and hold valid licences from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA),” the letter added.