The Uttar Pradesh government has lifted restrictions on production of alcohol in distilleries and breweries subject to the protocol and guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry on April 15 to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The order issued by the principal secretary (excise) on Thursday said the restrictions on the operation of distilleries and breweries were being lifted before allowing the retail sale of country liquor, Indian-made foreign liquor and beer.
The order issued by Principal Secretary (Excise) Sanjay Bhoosreddy on Thursday evening went viral on the social media, triggering hope among tipplers that liquor would soon be available in the retail liquor vends.
Reddy said prior to permitting the retail sale of potable alcohol, it was essential to allow the production in distilleries and breweries for the sake of huge revenue from this sector.
For 2020-21, the UP government has set a target of realising over Rs 31,000 crore from the sale of different kinds of potable alcohol and beer.
He said the order had been issued after prior consultation with the home department.
The principal secretary said the production, packaging, transport, marketing and retail sales of potable alcohol was banned till the Central and state government decide on it after April 20.
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the apex body of leading liquor firms, has demanded an exit plan to open distilleries and liquor shops, including pubs and restaurants, in non-COVID-19 hotspots. The CIBAC in a letter to the state government has urged to allow online sale of liquor as social distancing emerges as the new normal. The submission of this exit plan comes as liquor trade has shuttered in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown resulting in financial losses for the industry that contributes about 20-40 per cent of a state’s revenue.
The All India Brewers Association (AIBA), the apex body for beer companies, had also written to the state governments asking the authorities to permit online sale of beer and reopening of beer outlets in a phased manner to revive both the industry and the economy.