Alcohol prices in Gurugram to increase by 20 percent

While announcing the Haryana excise policy for 2017-18, Finance Minister of Haryana Captain Abhimanyu on Sunday declared that there will an increase of 20 percent in the purchase rates of alcohol in the state.

The rate increase will be applied to both the country made and Indian made foreign liquor in Haryana.

Besides the rate hike, the cost of obtaining bar license has also been increased in Gurugram from Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs.

Following the Apex court order, all liquor vending units situated within the distance of 500 metres from National and state highways will be closed down from April 1, stated the Haryana government. Adding to this, it also clarified that the rule will not be applicable to bars and pubs present in the city. The clarification ensures that more than 100 pubs and bars situated at the Cyber hub in Gurugram will continue to function after April 1.

For rehabilitation of the liquor vending which will be removed, the State Finance Minister said, "A license will now be increased from a group of 3 to 6 liquor vending units."

He further stated that the owner of the liquor vending units will be given the freedom to choose the location. "The owner of the liquor vending unit will now be allowed to sell both the country made and Indian made foreign liquor," the minister added.

With the sales of alcohol being one of the major factors for attracting revenue to the state exchequer, the Haryana Government have also tried to fetch in more transparency in the sale of liquor. The Government of Haryana has directed all the liquor vending units to issue mandatory bills for the sale of liquor amounting to Rs. 1000 or more. It also stated that the state agencies will continue its crackdown on illegal liquor vending operating in the state.

Captain Abhimanyu said, "The state will introduce GST from July but petroleum products and alcohol will be kept out of its purview."