Bar owner Beena Sampath is speaking out as frustration grows among bar operators across Trinidad, warning that recent tax increases could force many small and rural businesses to shut down.
Sampath, who operates a bar in a rural community, says the sudden jump in fees is placing overwhelming pressure on already struggling establishments.
“We have families, loans, and responsibilities,” she said. “How are we supposed to survive this?”
Industry Group Joins the Call
The concerns are now being echoed at a national level, with the Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Bars & Restaurants (TTCOBR) highlighting the growing strain on bar owners and calling for fairness and consultation.
In a public message, the group emphasized that bar owners are not refusing to pay taxes, but are instead asking for equity and a system that allows businesses to survive.
Sharp Increases Raising Alarm
Bar owners say the changes have come too fast and too heavy, pointing to several major increases:
Liquor licence fees rising from $1,800 to $9,000 in rural areas
Gaming machine taxes jumping from $6,000 to as high as $12,500 per machine
Additional costs including rent, staff wages, inspections, and utilities
For many small operators, these combined expenses are becoming impossible to manage.
“We Are Being Pushed Out”
Several bar owners say they feel targeted, especially as illegal establishments continue to operate without regulation.
“While we follow the law and pay inspections, others operate freely,” one owner said. “It feels like we are being punished for doing the right thing.”
Sampath also pointed out that illegal “watering holes” have increased since the pandemic and now outnumber legal bars in some areas.
Risk of Business Closures
Stakeholders warn that instead of increasing revenue, the new measures could backfire.
If businesses shut down, they say, it could lead to:
Job losses across communities
Reduced government tax collection
More unregulated activity
“When businesses close, government collects less,” one speaker noted.
Impact Beyond Bars
Owners say the issue extends beyond the bar industry, affecting the wider economy.
Bars support:
Local employment
Small suppliers and nearby shops
Community activities and sponsorships
Local tourism and social spaces
“A stable middle class business sector means a stable economy,” Sampath emphasized.
Call for Dialogue, Not Conflict
Despite growing frustration, bar owners stressed that their actions are peaceful and focused on finding solutions.
“We are willing to pay taxes,” one representative said. “But we need a fair structure and proper consultation.”
The TTCOBR and bar operators are now calling on authorities to meet with stakeholders and consider adjustments that would allow businesses to remain open while still contributing to the economy.
The Bottom Line
For many bar owners, the situation has reached a critical point.
What they are asking for is simple: fairness, consultation, and a chance to survive.
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