The Bar Owners and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT) is asking government to come to the table to discuss the possibility of loans tailored specifically for their sector, as they say they relief currently provided for businesses does not apply to them. 

“We call on the government to provide government secured loans for this industry as the present format does not support our industry- we can’t access the FCB or NEDCO loans, due tax compliance by banks, they refuse to give loans or even open bank accounts to bars who operate Amusement Gaming Machines. It’s a case of being tax compliant and being penalized for it,” the Association said in a media release. 

BOATT fears the current regulations, which permits bars to remain opened however patrons must purchase their drinks and leave, is unsustainable and will eventually lead to more of their businesses being closed. 

“The bar sector contributes to over 20k jobs and an annual revenue generator for the state of over one billion dollars. Since the restrictions in March over 55 tax paying outlets had to permanently closed its doors with a loss of one million dollars in state revenue, the industry nor the government can afford for this to continue. At present over 65% of outlets are closed because the “grab and go” option stipulated by government is purely not feasible nor sustainable,” BOATT said. 

Attempting to offer another solution to getting a handle on the virus while allowing businesses to have a better chance at survival, the Association called for the creation a special TTPS unit with specific emphasis on enforcing Covid regulations and guidelines.