<h1>Over 20,000 bars shutting operations to protest 10% VAT hike and 60% excise duty increase on liquor</h1> Over 20,000 bars and permit rooms across Maharashtra will shut operations on July 14 to protest against state government tax increases. The hospitality industry opposes a 10% VAT hike on liquor, 15% increase in annual license fees, and 60% spike in excise duty implemented within one year. Industry associations claim these measures threaten the Rs 1.5 lakh-crore sector's viability, potentially causing business closures, unemployment, and increased liquor smuggling. The industry directly and indirectly employs over 20 lakh people and supports 48,000 vendors across major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur.