Last Call for BYOB? Excise Department Reviews Policy

The Excise Department of Sri Lanka is reportedly considering the cancellation of the “Bring Your Own Bottle” (BYOB) practice following growing concerns raised by licensed restaurants across the country.

Restaurant owners have voiced strong objections to the continuation of BYOB policies, stating that they are heavily burdened by alcohol-related taxes and licensing fees. According to industry representatives, establishments that obtain liquor licenses are required to pay substantial excise duties and comply with strict regulatory requirements in order to legally sell alcohol on their premises.

However, they argue that the widespread acceptance of BYOB has significantly impacted their revenue streams. Restaurateurs claim that customers increasingly prefer to bring their own alcohol rather than purchase beverages from the establishment, leading to reduced sales and difficulty in sustaining operations , especially during a period already marked by economic challenges.

Industry stakeholders further emphasize that the imbalance creates an unfair competitive environment, where licensed businesses bear high operational and tax costs while losing potential income due to BYOB practices.

In response to these concerns, the Excise Department is said to be reviewing the matter and assessing the broader economic and regulatory implications of BYOB within the hospitality sector. While no final decision has been officially announced, the possible cancellation of BYOB is expected to have a significant impact on both consumers and the restaurant industry.