India, July 14 -- All permit rooms in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and the rest of Maharashtra will remain shut on Monday, as part of a statewide protest against the steep hike in liquor prices, Value Added Tax (VAT), and licence fees imposed by the state government.

The call for the one-day bandh has been given by the Pune Restaurant and Hoteliers Association (PRAHA) to oppose the state government's tax hikes, including a rise in VAT on liquor to 10 per cent, a 15 per cent increase in annual licence fees and a 60 per cent spike in excise duty, in a span of one year.

The association said that the strike is aimed at highlighting the severe impact of the government's policies on the hospitality sector, especially small and medium-sized permit r...