The Government has decided to enable ‘Safe and Secure Level 1’ hotels to serve liquor to guests despite the ongoing restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously with the onset of the third wave, the Government banned sale and consumption of liquor in all hotels and restaurants which are licenced.
All pubs and bars are closed too at present. However, in response to appeals made by ‘Safe and Secure Level 1’ hotels, which are catering to incoming tourists, the Commissioner General of Excise has given an exemption following the Government granting permission.
These hotels have been allowed to serve liquor for their in-house foreign guests with controlled access for locals during the ongoing COVID-induced restrictions. According to Sri Lanka Tourism data, there are currently 193 ‘Safe and Secure Level 1’ hotels in the country.
They are required to acquire stocks of liquor from licenced wholesale distributors of liquor in their vicinity using existing excise licences, permits and passes in compliance with health and security restrictions.
The ‘Safe and Secure’ certificate is awarded to tourism establishments and service providers that have been audited by KPMG an Independent Auditing firm and met the requirements of the COVID-19 Health Protocol. The certified service providers should always maintain the highest operational standards and act with responsibility when conducting tourism activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unsatisfactory operational practices found during periodic spot audits conducted or through reported violations or complaints will be treated very seriously and could result in cancellation of the certification status.
Tourist arrivals slumped to a low of 1,497 in May partly due to the 10-day closure of the airport as well as a spike in COVID cases. Since the reopening of borders and resumption of tourism on 21 January, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said there had been 15,294 tourists visiting by end May. The arrival of 4,581 tourists in March boosted industry hopes, which were however dampened with the emergence of the third wave and restrictions.
(FT)