Indian made foreign liquor to cost more in Haryana
Indian made foreign liquor to cost more in Haryana

With Haryana cabinet giving nod to 50 per cent increase in excise duty in addition to a 2 per cent hike in VAT, country liquor (CL) and Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) will now cost more in the state.

The decision was taken after a cabinet meeting held under chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in which excise policy for 2016-17 financial years was approved, reported TOI.

According to the new policy, VAT on liquor has been increased from 8 per cent to 10 per cent and additional excise duty has been rationalized and increased for country liquor to 18 per proof litre and that of IMFL to 45 per proof litre.

"The increased revenue receipts will be utilized for welfare functions and social activities like sports and education," said Ram Bilas Sharma, Haryana parliamentary affairs minister.

The government has also introduced the facility of online passes and permits for transportation of liquor. Maximum retail price (MRP) of popular IMFL and beer brands or styles has been rationalized as per market trends. Excise duty remains unchanged except for draught beer and ready to drink beverages where it has been brought on par with mild beer.

E-tendering of liquor vends has been made more user-friendly while total number of retail outlets of CL and IMFL in the state will remain unchanged at 3,500. Sub-vends will be allowed in villages with population of less than 1000 only, with prior consent of the gram panchayat.

Modern shops with good facilities and machine generated point of sale would be encouraged and their number would also be increased. Maximum basic quota has been increased after 2010-11. For country liquor, basic quota has been increased from 900 to 950 lakh proof litre and that of IMFL from 500 to 550 lakh proof litre.

The export duty has been rationalized and increased as per growth potential to maximize revenue. Franchise fee, bottling fee and fee structure for bar licenses have also been rationalized and re-oriented as per market trends and opportunities.

 
Stay on top – Get the daily news from Indian Retailer in your inbox
Also Worth Reading