Chandigarh, March 09 (Punjab Khabarnama)- Punjab’s Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, announced a groundbreaking Excise Policy for 2024-25, targeting a record revenue of Rs. 10,145.95 crores. The policy, approved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s Council of Ministers, brings key reforms to stabilize and enhance the liquor trade.
In this policy:
- Retail sale licenses L-2/L-14A will be freshly allotted through a Draw of Lots.
- Group sizes for licenses have been strategically reduced for a streamlined process.
- An adjustable license fee is introduced for retail IMFL/IFL passes and retail Beer passes.
To boost revenue:
- The group size for 2024-25 is set at 35 crores with a variation of plus or minus 15 percent.
- Adjustable license fees for IMFL/IFL and Beer passes are Rs. 200 per proof litre and Rs. 50 per bulk litre.
Other significant points include:
- A 3% increase in the quota of country liquor (PML) for the financial year 2024-25, totaling 8.286 crores proof litres.
- No anticipated increase in the price of Country Liquor.
For fee rationalization:
- The license fee of L-1 for Central Police Organisations is reduced from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 25,000.
- Prices of Imported Foreign Liquor (IFL) are expected to decrease due to fee structure rationalization.
- Security amount is reduced from 17 percent to 15 percent.
Regulatory measures ensure compliance with EPF/ESI, fire safety, and building codes. Additionally, a new mechanism mandates the breaking of used liquor bottles at marriage palaces under Excise Inspector supervision to combat counterfeit liquor.
In terms of safety and responsibility:
- Bar licensees are required to provide alcometers for voluntary alcohol level assessment.
- Display signage promoting responsible drinking with the message ‘Be Safe-Don’t Drink and Drive.’
Minister Cheema emphasized that these measures reflect the Punjab Government’s commitment, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to public safety and responsible liquor consumption.
