Liquor traders oppose New Excise Policy

Jaipur: The liquor traders across the state have opposed the new Excise policy the state government unveiled a few days ago.

They are not happy with some of the provisions in it like hike in bidding amount and making licensing mandatory for 2 years.

As per the new policy declared by the government last Saturday, the present licensees can renew their permits after paying 7% to 12% more than that of last year.

The license fee this time has been fixed between Rs 75,000 and Rs 2 lakh. That apart, changes have also been made in composite fees, BLL and excise duty.

The liquor traders are, however, opposing the new provision that they have to pay 15% more of the annual guarantee amount for the year 2023-24.

They demand to make it optional rather than to keep it mandatory so that licensees who would not want to continue next year can drop out.

Raj Liquor Welfare Society submitted a memo to the Excise Commissioner and the Finance Secretary (Revenue) in this regard.