LAHORE: In what appeared to be a major stint of law enforcement against food outlets in one day on Tuesday, a team of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) sealed 22 eateries, including some renowned chains, in Bahria Town over non-compliance with registration for sales tax.

Although some food outlets attempted to show sales record and some registration-related documents with the argument that they were paying sales tax, PRA officials refused to de-seal their outlets for lack of documentary proof. Only one outlet was de-sealed after verification.

Following the action, officials also served sealing notices under Rule 6 of Punjab Sales Tax on Services (Enforcement) Rules 2014 read with Section 56 of PST on Services Act 2012.

Deputy Commissioner (Enforcement) Zakaullah, who led the team comprising civilians and policemen, told reporters that 22 sealed eateries were doing business without paying sales tax on services.

He said in the first phase, all restaurants were visited a month ago and served with proper legal notices in Urdu advising them about their obligations to register.

Zakaullah said the PRA would de-seal these premises only after getting the violators registered and receiving security deposit cheques against outstanding amounts.

The units sealed included Al Khan Shinwari, Billa Nagina, Burger 18, Fazl-i-Haq Dera, Floura Inn, Fri-Chiks, Ghosia Nihari, Hungry Head, Kozi Haleem, Meat X, Millano Pizza, Papa Rotti, Pay To Restaurant, Pizza Junction, Ravi Restaurant, Safari Grill, Subway, Timmy Burger, Yummy 36, Zaiqa Restaurant, Zakir Tikka, and Zest Family Restaurant.

During the raid at food court in Bahria Town, officials sealed Subway, Red Chilli and Papa Roti in presence of customers. Later, they de-sealed Red Chilli after its staff showed necessary registration documents and verified the business name registered in the name of the owner of food court.

Imran Ayyub, who works at Red Chilli, told Dawn their chain had been registered with the authority for a couple of years and was paying sales tax regularly.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2015