The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued a strict directive banning the use of handwritten receipts, commonly known as 'kachi parchi', across all hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and marriage halls in the province. This move is part of a broader government effort to document sales and eliminate tax evasion in the hospitality sector.

Understanding the Punjab restaurant receipts ban

Under the new regulations, business owners must now issue formal, computer-generated invoices that are linked to the provincial tax system. The restaurant receipts ban is designed to ensure that the sales tax collected from customers is actually deposited into the national exchequer rather than being pocketed by business owners.

If you are dining out or hosting an event, you should now expect to receive a system-generated tax invoice. If a business fails to comply with this order, they face severe financial penalties. The PRA has confirmed that violators could be fined up to Rs1 million for continuing the practice of issuing non-standardized, informal receipts.

Why the crackdown on 'kachi parchi'?

For years, the use of informal, handwritten slips has been a primary method for under-reporting daily earnings. By avoiding electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems, many establishments have effectively hidden their true revenue from tax authorities.

  • Transparency: Electronic receipts provide a clear trail of sales tax collection.
  • Accountability: The system prevents staff and owners from manipulating daily turnover figures.
  • Consumer Rights: Customers are now entitled to a valid, printed invoice that shows the exact tax component of their bill.

The PRA chairman has emphasized that this initiative is non-negotiable. Field teams have been directed to conduct surprise inspections across major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi to ensure strict adherence to the new policy.

What you should do as a consumer

As a customer, you play a vital role in this enforcement. If you visit a restaurant or hotel and are provided with a handwritten slip instead of a computer-generated tax invoice, you have the right to demand a proper bill.

By insisting on a system-generated receipt, you are ensuring that the tax you pay actually reaches the government and contributes to the economy. If an establishment refuses to provide a valid receipt, you can report them to the Punjab Revenue Authority through their official website or consumer helpline.

Keep an eye on your future bills; if the document looks informal or lacks a clear tax registration number, it is likely a 'kachi parchi' that violates the new order. The government is expected to intensify its monitoring in the coming weeks, and businesses that do not upgrade their billing systems immediately will likely face heavy fines.