The Foreign Made Foreign Liquor (FMFL) and wine became cheaper in the State as the Government has reduced excise duty on these products in its new Excise Policy for the year 2022-23.
The Excise Policy has been formulated to improve the efficiency of process associated with manufacture, import, export, transport and sale of alcoholic beverages while attaching due priority to health and wellbeing of the citizens.
In order to reduce disparity in MRP with neighbouring States and also to promote high-quality FMFL and low-strength wine, the duty on wine and FMFL has been reduced. However, the duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer has been kept unchanged.
There has been nominal increase in licence fee, MGQ, application fee for manufacturers, suppliers as well as retailers in this year’s policy.
In view of encouraging response of premium “OFF” shops opened in BMC and CMC areas in 2021-22, some more premium “OFF” shops have been proposed in Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Sambalpur, Rourkela Municipal Corporations and four Municipalities.
The fees for temporary bar licences have been reduced.
No licence shall be granted to a liquor shop having the name of deities/ eminent personalities (living or dead) which can hurt the sentiments of the people.
Besides, the department has clarified that no OFF shop should use ‘sarkari or Government’ in its name. The licence holder may use ‘Licensed FL OFF shop’ signage.
Home delivery of liquor shall continue in addition to counter sale. All guidelines issued earlier relating to social distancing to contain spread of Covid-19 virus shall be observed.