Court of Appeal orders to lift soft liquor licence ban 

The Excise Department yesterday informed that the Court of Appeal has decided to lift the ban on issuing soft liquor licences (beer, wine, etc.) to establishments registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

On 10 October, the Court issued an order suspending the issuance of soft liquor licences in response to two petitions filed by various parties, including the Sri Lanka Liquor Licensees’ Association.

However, yesterday the Additional Solicitor General Kanishka de Silva presenting submissions to the Court through a motion raised a pertinent financial concern. He stressed that the Government is experiencing a Rs. 207 million monthly revenue loss as a result of the current interim order, which otherwise could be collected as taxes.

The Excise Department said the SLTDA can resume the use of soft alcohol in establishments falling under its purview, including hotels, restaurants and guest houses. This directive, issued by the Commissioner General of Excise, is effective immediately.