Several establishments in Centro Habana were closed for refusing to accept payments via electronic transfers, as part of a new offensive by the regime against businesses that violate their tax regulations.
"Actions continue in the capital against illegal activities and indiscipline," said the National Tax Administration Office (ONAT) of Havana while reporting on the closures.
The institution did not specify how many establishments were closed, their names, locations, or the duration of the sanctions. It only indicated that the measure was carried out by the municipal office of ONAT in Central Havana, the capital of Cuba.
According to the state entity, the deliberate refusal to receive transfers constitutes an alleged tax evasion crime, violates current tax regulations, and undermines consumers' right to choose how they wish to make their payments.
Complying is protecting your business, the ONAT warned at the end of its publication, in a message directed to private workers in the capital.
The offensive had resulted in another closure the previous Friday, when the ONAT announced the shutdown of an establishment located on Neptuno Street, between Aramburu and Soledad, in Central Havana.
The authorities assured that this business did not have the required documentation and refused to accept electronic transfers as a means of payment, thereby violating the consumer's right, "which is who decides how to make their payment."
The ONAT stated that the closure was carried out in accordance with the current tax regulations and ended its message with another warning: "Complying with the law, respecting the consumer, and maintaining proper documentation is ensuring the continuity of the business."
The measures come after the Government of Havana threatened private businesses the previous Thursday with fines, confiscations, forced sales, and closures of up to three months amid a campaign of inspections.
Moreover, the pressure is not limited to the Cuban capital. In Bayamo, five other businesses were closed last week for not accepting transfers and are now subject to inspection by the ONAT, as part of a national campaign to enforce electronic payments.
The campaign progresses despite connection issues and the difficulties reported by merchants who need cash to maintain their operations, as many suppliers also do not accept transfers.
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