The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Persons aiming to bring in the New Year at their favourite club, bar or restaurant should place their orders quickly tonight, as Value-Added Tax (VAT) will be added to the bill after midnight.

Such businesses yesterday said they were “good to go” once the clock strikes midnight on January 1.

George Markantonis, Brookfield Hospitality’s president and managing director, told Tribune Business that Atlantis, which features the popular Aura nightclub that is frequented by locals, among a number of other clubs, restaurants and bars, was “all set’ for VAT.

“For New Year’s Eve we are completely sold out in all of our restaurants, clubs and bars. We also have a massive casino event that we are doing in our ballrooms. It will truly be an excellent New Year’s period,” said Mr Markantonis.

“We are all set for VAT. We are sure that there may be some bugs we are unaware of, but our information systems team and all of our operating teams have done a great job in trying to prepare us. I’m expecting a smooth transition on January 1.”

Mr Markantonis explained that with VAT to come into effect on January 1, there would be a price difference if a patron were to order a drink at 11.30pm as opposed to 12.05am.

Chris Robertson, owner of the Cricket Club restaurant and pub, told Tribune Business: “We are just going to go with the programme and conform with the Government’s wishes.

“Obviously it’s going to make a difference in terms of the cost on products to the customer, but ultimately it’s going to be passed on and the Government will get what is their own. We’re all legal. We have our VAT number and we’re good to go. We are just going to go with it. As of January 1, or midnight, it will be in effect.”

A Baha Mar executive confirmed the same, noting that guests and patrons could expect VAT charges on their food and beverage purchases beginning immediately on January 1.

Several other operators expressed similar sentiments, one telling Tribune Business: “We’re all set. We’re registered. We’re letting folks know the deal. First thing come January 1, we have to charge VAT.”