THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9
Punjab’s Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, disclosed on Saturday that the forthcoming excise policy for 2024-25 is aiming for a record-breaking revenue target of Rs 10145.95 crores. Approved by the council of ministers chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the policy introduces substantial reforms to stabilize the liquor trade landscape, as outlined by Cheema. Key features of the new excise policy include offering retail sale licenses L-2/L-14A through fresh allotment through draw of lots and continuing reforms initiated in previous years, Cheema emphasized.
The group size for licenses has been strategically reduced for the year 2024-25, maintained at 35 crores with a variation of plus or minus 15 percent. Additionally, an adjustable license fee has been introduced, set at Rs. 200 per proof litre for the issuance of retail IMFL/IFL passes and Rs 50 per bulk litre for retail Beer passes issuance, Cheema elaborated.
To bolster revenue streams and ensure ample country liquor availability, the quota of country liquor (PML) for the financial year 2024-25 has been upped by 3% to 8.286 crores proof litre compared to the previous year, with no corresponding price increase. Cheema also announced a reduction in the license fee of L-1 from Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 25,000, easing the burden on Central Police Organizations. Moreover, Imported Foreign Liquor (IFL) prices are slated to decrease in 2024-25 due to a fee structure rationalization, with the security amount reduced from 17 percent to 15 percent.
The policy additionally mandates licensee compliance with essential regulations such as EPF/ESI, fire safety, and building codes. To counteract counterfeit liquor, a new protocol requires the disposal of used liquor bottles at marriage palaces under excise inspector supervision.
Bar licensees are now obliged to provide alcometers for voluntary alcohol level assessment and display signage promoting responsible drinking, bearing the message ‘Be Safe-Don’t Drink and Drive’. According to Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, these initiatives underscore the Punjab Government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to public safety and responsible liquor consumption.