Beauty Salon Clients In Minsk Were Treated With Champagne, But There Was A Catch

How did the whole story end?

In the summer, the attention of tax officials was attracted by a capital beauty salon, where clients were treated to champagne. The inspectors wondered where the alcohol came from. The case was ended by the court, which imposed fines on the salon and its owners, and decided to confiscate the remaining champagne, the Minsk department of operational measures of the Ministry of Taxes and Fees said.

In July, tax officials rushed to inspect one of the capital's beauty salons and left with complaints against the owners. They were suspected of concealing cash proceeds and paying salaries in envelopes.

In addition, the inspectors had questions about the champagne that the stylists offered free of charge (“a glass, or even two”) to their clients: documents confirming the legality of its purchase were not presented.

As a result, the court decided to fine the salon itself and its director under Part 2 of Article 13.18 Code of Administrative Offenses over violation of the order of alcohol circulation. The manager was ordered to pay 50 base fees (1,850 rubles), the legal entity — 200 base fees (7,400 rubles), and the remaining champagne was confiscated.

The fact is that the owners of the salon bought alcohol at retail as ordinary customers, but they should have done it legally, with the receipt of the invoice. However, they did not have such an opportunity in any case.

“A wholesaler will never officially sell alcohol to a business entity that has not received a license for retail trade in alcoholic beverages, and no one has yet invented a license for free distribution,” the tax office explained.

Nothing is said about the decision on the other claims though.