THE crackdown against traders continues as three more restaurants in Galali, Tubli and Muharraq were shut down for exploiting the increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT).
The Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry said yesterday its inspectors closed down the establishments upon receiving complaints from several consumers about the unjustified increase in food prices.
“Some of the violating outlets raised food prices and their owners failed to justify this to the inspectors during the surprise visit,” added the ministry.
It urged business owners to abide by the Consumer Protection Law, adding that it continues to take legal action against the practice of price gouging.
The GDN reported yesterday that six shops and two restaurants were shut down for VAT-related fraud.
The levy was doubled from five per cent to 10pc from Saturday as part of Bahrain’s Fiscal Balance Programme to improve the state of the country’s public finances.
People are urged to report violations on 17111346, 17111252 or 17111278 or through Tawasul, inspection@moic.gov.bh or the hotline 80008001.
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