| The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed the distasteful comments made by the Guyana Times which suggests that the GRA in some way condones the establishment and operations of illegal bottom house rum shop.In a press release the GRA strongly asserted that the newspaper’s articles are false since the GRA’s Licence Revenue Office, for the Year 2014 alone, conducted a series of control visits throughout Guyana in an effort to ensure non compliant businesses were regularized.The visits saw more than two hundred business operatives being engaged over a ten month period by staff of the Agency and efforts were made to have them legalize their operations. However, given the vast expanse of Guyana and the limited human resources at the agency’s disposal, most of these visits were conducted in central areas, or in areas where intelligence was received that illegal rum shops were in operation. It should be noted that in most instances the GRA only becomes aware of and takes action against these illegal operators when the public provides information.GRA says it periodically advises the general public on its intent to commence the sale of all Liquor, Trade, and Miscellaneous Licenses and 2015 was no exception. By virtue of notices, the agency says license holders are encouraged to have their licences renewed. Further, persons who have never purchased a licence are also targeted in an effort to ensure compliance with the Laws of Guyana. “The GRA would never promote or condone any activity which is in contradiction with the country’s Laws.”As such the GRA is calling on the Guyana Times newspaper to desist from making such provocative remarks which, when taken out of context, can be used to peddle propaganda and political agendas. Further, the GRA says it is fully aware that this news agency is fully acquainted with the GRA’s established means for verifying the authenticity and validity of a story, before same is published and the agency would strongly suggest that they use these means before publishing articles about the GRA.Further, the GRA wishes to remind holders of Restaurant Liquors, Off Licences, Spirit Shops, Members’ Club, Hotels, Malt Liquors and Wines that they can purchase their licences in Georgetown at the GRA’s Headquarters which is located at 200-201 Camp Street Georgetown. While persons residing in Anna Regina and New Amsterdam, can purchase their licences from the GRA’s Branch Offices in those locations. Trade and Miscellaneous Licences can be purchased at the Guyana Revenue Authority’s, Licence Revenue Office or at GRA’s Branch Offices in Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Parika, Linden and Bartica.Liquor Licence holders are required to pay the relevant fees and submit the following documents to the License Revenue Office; taxpayer identification number, liquor Licence, valid form of identification (national identification card or passport) and a completed renewal application form.In the case of Trade and Miscellaneous licences the requirements differ depending on the type of Licence. For General Shops, Butcher Shops,Cheap Jerseys From China, Pharmacies, Cinemas, Internet Cafés and Lumber Yard Licenses, applicants are required to submit; a valid form of identification, tax identification number, sanitary certificate, business registration and licence for 2014.For Betting Shops, Insurance Companies, Video Rentals, Pawn Shops, House Agents, Auctioneers, and Rice Factories, Licence applicants are required to submit a valid form of identification, tax identification number, business registration and license for 2014. |
