Hubballi: Chief Minister Siddaramiah has assured hoteliers of addressing all their issues raised by the Hotel Industries Association, including the demand for reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) on the industry from 4 per cent to 2 per cent.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 17th State-level convention of Karnataka Pradesh Hotel & Restaurants Association (KPHRA) here on Sunday, Siddarmaiah said, after discussing with the officials concerned a decision regarding the decreasing of the VAT charges for the next four months will be taken.

He also assured of looking at their demand of exempting the hotel industry from the minimum wages clause of the new Labours Act, as it has been affecting the already taxed industry. The CM further said both hotel industries and tourism should grow together and advised the hoteliers to maintain quality and hygiene at their hotels to attract more customers.

Minister for Fisheries, Youth Empowerment and Sports Pramod Madhwaraj who spoke on the occasion suggested that the State government should consider allowing eateries, excluding those selling liquor, in the State to run their business round the clock if the hoteliers wish.

State Association president M Rajendra submitted a memorandum to the CM seeking tax exemption and subsidies for the development of new hotel ventures.

Mantralaya Mutt Subudhendra Tirtha Swamiji presided over the programme. District in-charge Minister Vinay Kulkarni, Hubballi Hotels’ Association president Sudhakar K Shetty and others were present.