Liquor Shops Near Religious Sites in Uttarakhand to Shut Under New Policy:

The new policy cancels the licenses of shops located near religious places of Uttarakhand, that as of now control the sale of liquor focusing on the public. The secretary Shailesh Bagauli states that the policies prioritize the religious and cultural susceptibilities of the people and use utmost caution while exercising control in selling liquor. This aids the local populace by providing self employment opportunities.

The chief minister of Uttarkhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the policy during a cabinet meeting on Monday. It decided to re-evaluate the licenses earlier provided to the alcohol selling shops, as new boundaries have been set around religious places for the sale of liquor. Officials say unattended liquor policies of the previous policies have provided loopholes for people to exploit.

Their effort has focused on attempts made in the policy review changes attention of farmers towards the sale of their produce to the distilleries. The new excise policy has done away with sub-shops and metro liquor selling altogether. It also provides for the cancellation of licenses of liquor shops that sell at a price greater than the maximum retail price. According to him, stores are going to have to follow the same MRP policy, which will serve the interest of the consumers.

Looking ahead to 2025-26, fiscal targets for the department, are hopeful of excise earning targets achieving an input of 5060 crores, due to the rapid rise of the last 2 years. In 2023-2024, the complete government revenue target was Rs. 4000 Crores but was able to complete a whopping Rs 4038.69 crore. And in the current year the financial target is about 4400 crores while the department has already earned 4000 crores, he said.

Now, Uttarakhand residents will have exclusive access to bulk liquor licenses, which will increase the economic prospects for the local people. Wineries in the hill region will be encouraged and will be granted an excise duty exemption for 15 years on wine produced from grapes grown in the state. According to an official, this will benefit farmers and those engaged in the horticulture sector. To promote investment in liquor production, export duties have been slashed.

Special incentives will be provided for malt and spirit manufacturing industries in the hilly region. The new excise policy sets out to increase the agricultural output of the area by local distilleries. This will increase the income of farmers and provide them new markets. Under the new policy, shops are to be opened on the basis of auction, renewal of licenses, lottery, or by the highest bidder. Also, the Excise Policy-2025 includes provisions for running special drives to educate the public on the dangers of excessive drinking.