No milk, tea or coffee? Bengaluru bakeries & condiment shops protest tax notices

Starting today, small-scale traders across Bengaluru, including condiments, bakery, and tea shop owners, have launched an indefinite protest against recent commercial tax notices issued by the government. The protest has taken the form of symbolic resistance, with shopkeepers wearing black armbands while continuing partial business operations.

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As part of the demonstration:

• From today, for the next three days, milk, tea, and coffee will not be served in many shops.
• Only black tea, black coffee, green tea, and lemon tea will be available.
• Several shops have already put up boards announcing closures or service limitations.

On Thursday, items like cigarettes, gutka, and other tobacco products will not be sold. By Friday, July 25, most condiments and bakery shops in the city plan to remain shut in solidarity.

A massive protest rally is planned at Freedom Park on Friday at 10 AM, where hundreds of small traders and their families are expected to participate. Traders allege that the commercial tax enforcement is harsh and sudden, pushing small businesses into financial hardship.

The protest, which started today, is spreading across the city, affecting daily routines for thousands of Bengalureans. Organizers demand immediate withdrawal or reconsideration of the commercial tax notices and a fair hearing for small traders.