JAMMU, May 28: Clearing decks for the big players in Liquor Industry in the country and discouraging monopoly of the local manufactures besides introducing three categories of new Licenses, the J&K UT Government today announced its New Excise Policy-2023-24.While encouraging low alcoholic beverages and discouraging illicit liquor, the UT Government has allowed retail selling of beer/ RTD (Ready To Drink) products with low liquor content at JKTDC/ Tourist establishments besides Airports in Jammu and Kashmir.The Government has also allowed operation of open/ rooftop bars in the high end hotels and restaurants with the additional 50% of the annual license fee to boost tourism related activity. Providing a big relief to the Bar operators, the Government has reduced their MRP from existing 25 to 10 % or as per menu/which ever is higher.While giving extension to the existing retail liquor vends up to April 16, 2023, the Excise Department has declared to start bid for the new retail liquor vends from April 4 while its registration process will commence from March 29 (Wednesday). The registration fee has been increased from Rs 25000 to Rs 50,000 and EMD from Rs 7 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs and the reserved bid price from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakhs.Giving boost to the local production, the Government has announced 25% less Excise Duty on CSD/ PMF brands manufactured in J&K only. While protecting local industry, restrictions shall be imposed on import on brands having MRP Rs 600 per bottle ( 750 ml).
