THE “half-truths” that are being prorogated in sections of the media on the issue of the sale of liquor licences have been noted by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) with concern.And the body contends that it in no way condones the establishment and operations of illegal bottom house rum shops. On that note, the GRA slammed a local daily, the Guyana Times, which made the troubling suggestion and, in a statement, said, “For the record, the GRA periodically advises the general public on its intent to commence the Sale of all Liquor, Trade, and Miscellaneous Licences, and 2015 was no exception.
“By virtue of notices, licence holders are encouraged to have their licences renewed. Further, persons who have never purchased a licence are also targeted in an effort to ensure compliance with the Laws of Guyana. The GRA would never promote or condone any activity which is in contradiction with the country’s Laws.”
The GRA deemed the Guyana Times article, published on Tuesday under the headline ‘GRA commences sale of liquor licences…even as bottom house rum shops flourish’, as a complete fallacy.
The Authority said, “The GRA is calling on the Guyana Times Newspaper to desist from making such provocative remarks which, when taken out of context, can be used to peddle propaganda and political agendas. Further, the GRA is fully aware that this news agency is fully acquainted with the GRA’s established means for verifying the authenticity and validity of a story before same is published and the agency would strongly suggest that they use these means before publishing articles about the GRA,” the body said.
To this end, the GRA insists that “provocative remarks” that can be taken out of context must not be made and called for mainstream media to desist from such engagements.
REGULARISATION EFFORT
“The GRA’s Licence Revenue Office, for the Year 2014 alone, conducted a series of control visits throughout Guyana in an effort to ensure non-compliant businesses were regularised,” the Authority said.
It added that these visits saw more than 200 business operatives being engaged over a ten month period by staff of the Agency and efforts were made to have them legalise their operations.
“Given the vast expanse of Guyana and the limited Human Resources at the Agency’s disposal, most of these visits were conducted in central areas, or in areas where intelligence was received that illegal rum shops were in operation. It should be noted that in most instances, the GRA only becomes aware of and take action against these illegal operators when the public provides information,” the body said.
The GRA has since reminded that holders of Restaurant Liquor; Off Licence; Spirit Shop; Members’ Club; Hotel; Malt Liquor & Wine that they can purchase their licences in Georgetown at the GRA’s Headquarters, which is located at 200-201 Camp Street Georgetown, while persons residing in Anna Regina and New Amsterdam can purchase their licences from the GRA’s Branch Offices in those locations.
Trade & Miscellaneous Licences can be purchased at the Guyana Revenue Authority’s, Licence Revenue Office or at GRA’s Branch Offices in Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Parika, Linden and Bartica.
Liquor Licence holders are required to pay the relevant fees and submit to the Licence Revenue Office several documents, including: taxpayer identification number; 2014 liquor licence; valid form of identification (national identification card or passport); and completed renewal application form.
Additionally, in the case of Trade and Miscellaneous licences, the requirements differ depending on the type of Licence. For General Shop, Butcher Shop, Pharmacy, Cinema, Internet Café & Lumber Yard Licences applicants are required to submit: a valid form of identification; tax identification number; sanitary certificate; business registration; and licence for 2014.
For Betting Shop, Insurance Companies, Video Rental, Pawn Shop, House Agent, Auctioneer, and Rice Factory Licences applicants are required to submit:a valid form of identification; tax identification number; business registration; and licence for 2014.
“It should be noted that if an individual is serving as a Power of Attorney, sufficient proof must be provided to the Licencing officer when renewing the Liquor Licences,” the GRA said.