According to new excise policy, to be effective from April 1, hotels, restaurants and bars can serve liquor and food till 3 am instead of 1 am now on payment of additional licence fee. However, the dampener can be possibility of the increased liqour price by 10% to 20%.
- Round the clock service of liquor also allowed in 3-Star & 4-Star Hotels on payment of additional license fees.
- CCTV cameras to be introduced in all retail vends by 1st May, 2022.
- Penalty of Rs. 50,000/- introduced on sale of expired liquor by retail vends.
- E-Vehicle Cess introduced in pursuance of E-Vehicle Policy of Chandigarh Administration. The Cess will be levied per Bottle varying from Rs. 2 to Rs. 40.
- Excise Duties have been increased by approximately 5.5%. Minimum Retail Sale Price has been reasonably increased in the range of 5% to 10% considering the input costs ans taxes.
- Imported RTD (Ready to Drink) alcoholic beverages allowed for sale in Chandigarh
- Allotment of retail vends of liquor will be made through e-tendering system for more transparency
- EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) reduced for better participation in bids
- Mandatory computerised billing to be introduced by October 1; and penalty of Rs 5,000 introduced on non-issuance of receipt
- Covid rebate (pro-data reversal of license fee) as given in last year to continue for all retail vends, bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs
- Track and trace system to curb illegal sale of liquor to be introduced
- Vends to be sealed for three days on first violation itself
- CCTV cameras to be introduced in retail vends by May 1
- Penalty of Rs 50,000 introduced on sale of expired liquor by retail vends
- E-vehicle cess introduced in persuance of the e-vehicle policy. The cess will be levied per bottle varying from Rs 2 to Rs 40
The hoteliers have hailed the new excise policy decisions calling it a positive change which will boost tourism in Chandigarh.
Source: Times of India
