Ripples are widespread in the industry over the government's request to liquor distributors not to deal with restaurants that continue to serve liquor, such as in areas covered by the "state of emergency."
Of these, one of the liquor sales industry groups, the National Retail Liquor Sales Association Central Association, told the National Tax Agency on the 9th of this month, "It is common practice in business practice to take proper measures without compensation. In addition to submitting a protest statement saying, "It's also difficult," on the 12th, an executive of the organization met with Mr. Shimomura, the chairman of the political investigation at the headquarters of the LDP, and asked for a polite explanation.
In addition, the "National Craft Beer Brewers' Council," which has about 120 member companies including local beer makers nationwide, is working to gather the opinions of its members regarding this request.
So far, there is no opinion that the request is positively accepted, so if you stop the transaction, there will be a conflict with the restaurant, and there are voices of anxiety that you will not be able to do business in the future. There are opinions that the country may not understand the site even though there are no sales destinations in Corona.
When the council gathers opinions, it will be submitted to the National Tax Agency.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato “General requests do not cause any disadvantages”
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato has requested that liquor distributors not make transactions with restaurants that do not respond to the suspension of liquor provision in areas subject to the state of emergency, even if they do not respond to the request. He explained that there would be no disadvantages and that it would not hinder business freedom.
Regarding measures against the new coronavirus, the government is requesting liquor distributors not to deal with restaurants that do not respond to the suspension of liquor in areas subject to the state of emergency.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, "It is a general request, and it is not premised that there will be a disadvantage such as revoking the license of a liquor dealer because it does not respond to the request. It is not intended to impede the freedom of business guaranteed by the Constitution. "
After that, he explained the purpose carefully to the business operators and expressed his intention to make efforts to improve the environment where cooperation can be obtained, such as considering support measures.