Punjab Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Excise Policy for the year 2016-17 by which the State Government expects to collect a revenue of Rs 5440 crores as against Rs 5040 crores in current year, an increase of about Rs 400 crores. The liquor vends for the year 2016-17 would be allotted through draw of lots in a transparent manner. “The basic thrust of the policy was to provide good quality liquor at affordable prices to the consumers,” a Government spokesperson said. To have fair and healthy competition amongst the licensee, maximum retail prices of liquor have also been fixed. The rates would be displayed by the licensees conspicuously at their vends. No licensee could charge rates higher than the rates fixed by the Department. The maximum retail prices of liquor to be served in the marriage palaces for marriages, have also been fixed and would be displayed on the website of the Department and the same would be made available by the officers of the Department at the time of issuing permits.