Excise Policy And Views

June 12, 2024

Haryana Government's new excise policy comes into effect from today there is expected to be an increase in prices throughout although notional but throughout all types of liquor. The duration of Excise Policy for the year 2024-25 will be from 12.06.2024 to 11.06.2025. The fees and bottling charges have been increased.

Gurgaon and it's liquor houses

The best part about Delhi-NCR for people who consume alcohol is access to the Gurugraon now Gurugram vends. The rate difference and availability of different brands helps consumers choose from a more premium offering as compared to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
There are authorized drinking places for on premises consumption of liquor which are popularly called as BYOB's officially Taverns. The business model primarily is providing liquor at the market rate with a markup on food to make up for the space provided.

Issues

As much as I support access to better liquor options for conumers at competitive rates, I have issues with non compliance of the excise policy. The licensees can at no time advertise the sale of liquor by announcing it on loud-speakers, through social media or by any other means. This is circumvented frequently. I am sure everyone has seen reels and other forms of advertising via instagram pages of liquor shops mentioning sales and advertising. As per the policy all signages and advertisements of the availability of liquor are prohibited.

The retail licensees shall maintain cleanliness and hygiene in and around the shop. Adequate number of dustbins shall be put up inside and outside the vend and Tavern. This is another area where there seems to be an attitude of indifference. The parking lawns outside big shops have bottles lying around in open ground. People drink in their cars in the parking of the vend itself and throw the bottles in the field and leave. Drunk driving aside the potential risk factor of safety in this area requires intervention. I believe it should be a mandate for all vends to have CCTV cameras which record their parking areas and the recordings should mandatorily be shared with police authorities who are to take action in case public drinking is found. This will increases people visiting the tavern increasing economic benefits at the same time improving safety of customers and general public.

Penal Provisions

Any violation of the clauses under the policy result in a penalty of Rs. 10,000/- for first offence, a penalty of Rs. 20,000/- for second offence and a penalty of Rs. 30,000/- for third offence shall be imposed by the DETC (Excise) of the district. Any subsequent violation will be treated as major violation inviting action under Clause 2.13.5 which is: 2.13.5 SEALING OF VENDS FOR MAJOR VIOLATION/BREACH - In case of any major violation of the terms and conditions of license granted to any licensee, his/her vend(s) may be sealed, if so considered necessary, by the DETC (Excise), under intimation to the Excise and Taxation Commissioner. Such sealing shall be without prejudice to any other penalty or action that may be taken against him under the law

Drink Safely You Alcoholics

"Drink safely, you alcoholics!" It's the heartfelt plea we all need to hear when the party's in full swing. We get it—one drink leads to another, and suddenly you're on a first-name basis with the bartender. But let's be real: tomorrow's hangover won't be worth it. So, slow down, sip some water, and remember, the goal is to have fun, not to forget the night entirely. Hoping we drink together too someday. Cheers to moderation!