Bhubaneswar: 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.
According to official sources, the Excise Policy 2022-23 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 well being of the citizens of the State.
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, Excise Duty for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) & Beer has been kept unchanged.
There has been nominal increase in license 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 & CMC areas in 2021-22, some more Premium “OFF” shops have been proposed in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rourkela Municipal Corporations as well as 4 other Municipalities, they said.
In order to encourage low alcoholic drinks, the microbrewery policy has been redesigned. A separate license fee slab of Rs 5 lakh/annum for standalone Micro Brewery has been introduced without Restaurant “ON” license.
In order to improve compliance, fees for temporary bar licenses have been reduced. Similar fee for additional bars in “ON” shops has been rationalized.
In order to promote Ease of Doing Business, the emphasis on automation of various processes like issue of permit/ passes/ licenses/ payments will continue under the 5T Action Plan of Government of Odisha, as per the Policy.
The Excise Department said it will strengthen the enforcement activities through improved intelligence collection, better infrastructure and resources, enhanced deployment of enforcement staff as well as use of technology for monitoring and supervision.
In order to restrict entry of inexperienced suppliers or brands with unverified credentials in the Odisha market, certain qualifying criteria for Brand Registration has been introduced in this year’s Policy.
As per the Policy document, no license 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.
It is also observed that some liquor shops are using the word ‘sarkari’ in the name of the shop. So, the Department has clarified that No OFF shop should use ‘sarkari or Government’ in their name. The license 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 the spread of COVID-19 virus shall be observed. All other features of existing Excise Policy will continue as it was, it said.
