Gurugram

The Haryana government has implemented new excise policy from June 12, which will increase duties on liquor. The new policy has come into effect from this week. 

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As per the policy, all consumers of Haryana, including the NCR city Gurugram will now have to pay an additional price of INR 5 for a bottle of country liquor and INR 20 more for a beer. In other words, there will be a 20 per cent hike in liquor prices now in Gurugram city. The latest price hike also extends to foreign liquors, with a 5 per cent increase in their current prices.

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With changes in price, the Haryana state government also successfully auctioned 162 zones with 324 liquor vends across Gurugram East and West through e-tenders, which generated about INR 1756 crore. This marks a 9.4 per cent increase over the reserve price set by the excise department. The reserve price is the minimum bid amount at which the government auctions a liquor vend.

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Provision to prevent monopolies of liquor vendors 

To balance the impact of the price hikes, the policy also includes provisions to prevent monopolies among liquor vendors and provide relief to bar operators. 

Earlier, licensed bar operators could source liquor from two nearby shops, often facing arbitrary pricing from contractors. However, the new policy now allows bar operators to procure liquor from any of three different shops, provided these shops belong to separate license holders. This change aims to enhance competition and offer more flexibility to bar operators.

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Footfall likely to increase

Jitender Dudi, deputy commissioner of excise and taxation (Gurugram west), said that there could be a rise in footfall at stores with the onset of the wedding season. He told Hindustan Times, “While most shops remain with previous owners, the policy’s new provisions will enhance market dynamics."

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Despite the price hikes, liquor sales have seen a rise, as several consumers from Delhi and Noida were seen purchasing liquor from vends in Gurugram. 

With the new excise policy, the Haryana government aims to streamline the liquor trade, prevent monopolies and ensure the availability of quality liquor at reasonable prices. 

(With inputs from agencies)