In view of the emergency arising from the spread of covid-19, a bill was submitted to the Assembly proposing a 90-calendar-day suspension of the payment of municipal and national taxes.
The initiative also establishes the suspension for 90 days of the payment of electricity and drinking water, as well as mortgage and personal loans, among others, reported the National Assembly.
Representatives from the government and employers reached an agreement to reform the rule which requires a bond deposit of between $3000 and $75 000 on stores that sell alcoholic beverages.
Prensa.com reports that "members of the National Association of Bars, Pubs and Businesses engaged in the sale of liquor, and representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Mici) agreed to eliminate the performance bond established in Act No.
Two lawsuits have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the law requiring a performance deposit bond of up to $75,000.
Lawyers representing business owners of liquor outlets have filed claims against law No. 2 of February 5, 2013 with the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ).
Meanwhile, "a group composed of owners of bars, pubs, gardens, clubs and grilled food restaurants, from Panama Colón, Chiriquí and Veraguas, held a protest at the steps of the Supreme Court, demanding deletion of the passage of this law , which establishes bond deposits and other regulations for these businesses ".