Tourism industry opposes hike on liquor tax

DENPASAR: The local tourism industry has opposed a central government plan to increase levies imposed on alcoholic beverages.

Finance Minister decree No. 62/2010 would increase levies by up to 500 percent as of April.

"This policy will undoubtedly increase the retail prices of liquor. The current retail prices that are already higher than retail prices in, for example, Singapore, will go up even more. This is a counterproductive policy for Bali," Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Bali chapter deputy head Nyoman Suwijana said. - JP