Cash sales of alcohol in cafes and hotels may be permitted in Uzbekistan

Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals aimed at creating a more favorable economic and administrative environment for small business entities. A number of relaxations regarding the catering and hotel services sector were discussed.

During the presentation, a proposal was put forward to allow the sale of alcohol and tobacco products for cash in cafes, restaurants, and hotels. At the same time, an initiative to abolish the current requirement regarding the share of non-cash revenue for VAT refunds was also considered.

Furthermore, plans are underway to create the possibility of registering certain employees through a simplified procedure. It is noted that these measures will serve to ease the administrative burden for small businesses in the service sector and encourage legal operations.

According to the data, the proposed changes could expand the legal growth opportunities for over 600,000 small business entities. Through the transparency of the tax base, it is projected that at least 2 trillion soums of additional funds will enter the budget annually.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the presented proposals and gave instructions to officials to create fair and favorable conditions for small businesses, simplify tax administration, and expand entrepreneurial activities through digitalization.

It should be recalled that starting April 1 in Uzbekistan, 28,000 types of goods and services began to be sold exclusively via bank transfer or card. The 22,000 types of products that cannot be sold for cash mainly consist of alcohol and tobacco products.

Also, Farrux Po‘latov announced during an open dialogue at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on April 21 that a new procedure would be developed to allow cash payments for alcohol in restaurants and hotels. Entrepreneurs had reported facing difficulties in working with tourists due to the non-cash payment requirement.