Odisha hikes liquor prices by 5-10% 

The State Government hiked the liquor prices from Rs 5 to Rs 10 per cent as per its new liquor policy adopted on April 1.

As per the sources, the state government decided to increase the license and application fees for manufacturers, suppliers and retailers in the new Excise Policy for 2023-24. The policy also added that there will be a marginal increase in excise duty for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and minimum guarantee quota (MGQ). The hike will lead to an increase in retail alcohol costs to the tune of 5 to 10 per cent.

As per the new policy, application fee for new/renewal of ‘OFF shops’ has been increased from Rs 1.1 lakh to Rs 1.2 lakh. The MGQ and retailer fees have also been increased. The annual composite label registration fee for FL OFF shops, FL ON shops for sale of all brands has been fixed at Rs 50,000. This was earlier fixed at Rs 40,000.

In order to promote tourism in the state the new Excise policy has approved the opening of beach shacks.

The state government announced guidelines for serving liquor in the shacks. The license will be granted only to the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and not to any private operator.