THE TT Coalition of Bars and Restaurants (TTCOBAR) and the Barkeepers Owners/Operators Association of TT (BOATT) will meet Finance Minister Dave Tancoo today, December 11, to discuss what they say is the government's “drastic and illogical” 400 per cent tax hike on gaming machines.

Both organisations argue it will cripple legal operators, drive the industry underground and fail to raise additional revenue. In a phone interview with both groups on December 10, they maintain the real sector issue is chronic non-enforcement, not the current tax rate.

They insist proper enforcement alone could generate hundreds of millions of dollars without destroying small and medium-sized businesses. BOATT representative Satesh Moonessar told Newsday the association was “surprised” to receive a call from the minister’s office confirming the meeting.