VAT on restaurants

. PHOTO: AFP

Recently, owners of exclusive restaurants (Chinese, Indian etc) are having hard time due to economic recession. Restaurants are playing a big role in giving jobs to the unemployed youths. A restaurant is not only a restaurant but also a centre of learning and it also produces skillful manpower. Every year many Bangladeshis are going abroad (Middle East and UK) after getting their initial training in cooking here. In England, there is huge demand for Bangladeshi cooks. But I think the government is neglecting this area. Restaurant owners are not getting facilities from the government like other profitable sectors, rather they are facing some problems.

Now a restaurant has to pay 15% VAT which I think is unreasonable. If the government reduces VAT, then I am sure they will get more revenue from this sector and restaurant owners will get rid of unscrupulous tax officials.

I believe if proper steps are taken restaurant business can give a boost to our poor economy and help to create a lot of jobs, both at home and abroad.