GST Council Brings Down Tax On Food & Beverages Served In Cinema Halls To 5%

In major development that will bring cheer to movie goers, the goods and services tax (GST) council at its 50th meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 11 opted to bring down the tax on food and beverages served in cinema halls to 5% from current 18%.

Meanwhile, West Bengal finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the Council has also approved the exemption of GST on import of cancer drug Dinutuximab, and Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) used in the treatment of rare diseases, as per a PTI report.

GST Council has decided that online gaming, casinos and horse racing will be taxed at 28% at entry point on full face value of bets, she told reporters.

The minister said that changes will be made in the GST law to state that these three supplies are not actionable claims, like that of lottery and betting, stated the PTI report.

Sudhir Mungantiwar, Maharashtra forest cultural and fisheries minister, said the council has decided to do away with the distinction of game of skill and chance in case of online gaming.