by Liquor prices increase by 20% to 25% in Chandigarh due to higher excise duty push. Lockdown 4.0 came up with many relaxations and the reopening of liquor stores is one of them. The authorities permitted to reopen the liquor stores under strict guidelines. However, it has been hard to make people understand what social distancing really means.
The day when liquor stores were ready to open, the entrances of stores were loaded with liquor consumers. Besides the marks made by the authorities for social distancing, there was none. Although in some areas, customers followed social distancing in long queues.
The customers gathered outside the liquor stores even before the opening hours. The craze for liquor made people forget about the seriousness of pandemic. Many of them were not even wearing masks; It is hard to expect social distancing.
These people not only risk their lives but also their family’s too. Such behavior will make it difficult to control the spread of coronavirus.
The residents must follow the guidelines given by the administration. They must follow social distancing and other health measures.
The stores must follow the timings given by the authorities for the opening and closing of stores. They must make marks outside the stores for customers to maintain social distancing.
Revenue Collection
The Liquor sales contribute a huge portion in the revenue collection of the UT. The liquor consumption is at higher rates in our country. Irrespective of the prices, the liquor consumption is usually higher providing major revenue to the administration.
The Hike in Rates
The liquor fans had lesser access to liquor due to the nationwide lockdown. Consequently, the administration imposed 5% COVID cess and 12% excise duty on liquor which gave a push to rates of Liquor.
The liquor fans had lesser access to liquor due to the nationwide lockdown. Consequently, the administration imposed 5% COVID cess and 12% excise duty on liquor which gave a push to rates of Liquor. Due to that, there has been a… Click To TweetThe increase is under the excise policy and the revenue go to Center’s fund.
The aim is to make up the losses faced by UT due to the lockdown from the revenue collected.
The Cow Cess levies at the rate of Rs 5 per bottle of beer (650ml), rate of Rs 5 per bottle of country liquor (750ml), and Rs 10 per bottle of whiskey (750ml).
The licensee wholesalers will deposit the amount in the bank account of Municipal Corporation. The administration extends the excise policy from May 15 to June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown.
Next Read: What’s New in Lockdown 4.0 in Chandigarh
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