KATHMANDU, Feb 2: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has written to five casinos which have not paid royalties to clear their dues within seven days.

The ministry on Tuesday sent letters to Hotel Yak & Yeti Limited Durbarmarg, Oriental Hotels Limited (Radisson Hotel) Lazimpat, Rock International Pvt Ltd Kathmandu, Happy Hour Pvt Ltd Kathmandu and Central Media Pvt Ltd to clear the dues they owe to the government as royalties.

According to the ministry, Hotel Yak & Yeti Limited Durbar Marg Kathmandu needs to pay Rs 206.81 million, Oriental Hotels Limited (Radisson Hotel) Lazimpat Rs 187.6 million, Rock International Kathmandu Rs 114.58 million, Happy Hour Pvt Ltd Rs 215.5 million, and Central Media Kathmandu has yet to pay Rs 133.95 million as of FY 2019/20.

The ministry has stated that a seven-day notice has been issued as the remaining dues have not been paid even though the notice was issued on October 24 and January 11, with 35 days and 15 days deadline, respectively.

The Department of Tourism sent the letters to the casinos after Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale pointed out that the casinos need to pay the remaining royalty. Earlier, a casino operator trying to flee to the United States without paying royalties, renewal fees and fines, was released on Prime Bank bail.

According to the Department of Tourism, SHL Management Pvt Ltd which operates casinos in Shangrila of Kathmandu and in Tiger Palace Hotel in Rupandehi has paid the bail amount of Rs 142 million. 

Mike Bolsover, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SHL Management Pvt Ltd, who was yet to pay Rs 142 million in royalties, fines and two-year renewal fees for operating the casino was barred from leaving the country on January 15 under the direction of Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Aviation, Prem Bahadur Ale.

Tourism Minister Ale has warned to take action if the casinos do not pay the revenue as per the rules.

 
• MoCTCA
 
• casinos
 
• royalties