RUM SHOP OWNERS across Barbados are contemplating whether or not to keep their doors open.

This comes as a result of Prime Minister David Thompson's decision to increase liquor licences from $350 to $1 000 as stated in the Financial Statement And Budgetary Proposals on Monday.

"I will have to give up the shop, because even the $350 kills me," said Jenifer Forde of Forde's Bar & Variety in Vauxhall, Christ Church. "$1 000 is going to be very hard to pay, because I pay for the licence in two halves."

Glendene Bailey, manager of Glendene's Bar in Brittons New Road, St Michael, also expressed similar sentiments.

"I'm wondering if I should just sell out all that I have here now and try to do something from home," Bailey said.

The proprietress added that she would fall into difficulty in "the long run" if she decided to keep the shop in operation.

"I have to consider the overheads such as the utilities and rent for this place, which is also $1 000."

Bailey went on to say that customers could also bring problems for her business.

"Right now one customer owes me $3 000 from credit alone," she said.

Bar owners are also concerned with the manner in which the $1 000 is to be paid.

"I want to know if we can still pay in four instalments," said Elma Grant of Grant's Bar in Villa Road, St Michael. "Where am I going to get $1 000 upfront?"

"Sales have dropped and my electricity bill has skyrocketed from $1 232 one month to $2 070 the next month," she added. "So things are already hard."

However, some bar owners are accepting the $650 price hike without any complaints.

David Workman of Gwen Workman's Bar believed it was a matter over which he had no control.

"It might be too much, but there is nothing you can do," he said. (LW)