Delhiites, now pay more for Johnnie Walker, VAT-69 in bars
With a target to achieve 20% revenue growth over 2017, Delhi Government has planned something that'll be a sure downer for tipplers. They've tweaked license fee rules under the new excise policy, whereby a cap has been put on the number of liquor brands that can be imported. This is expected to burden the upscale resto-bars, who in turn will shoot up the liquor-prices.
Number of foreign brands to be imported capped
Earlier an unlimited number of liquor brands could be imported upon annual payment of Rs. 7L. The new excise policy that will be put to effect from August 1 stipulates that now only 10 foreign brands will be allowed to be imported against the same fee. For any additional brand, an extra amount of Rs. 50,000 needs to be paid per brand.
'Hike needed to reach revenue target of Rs. 5,200cr'
This will in turn put a burden on upscale resto-bars, resulting in increased liquor prices. Excise Commissioner Amjad Tak said a notice has already been issued on the new policy, the implementation of which was due since April. Tak added the hike is needed to reach the revenue target of Rs. 5,200cr for the current fiscal, which is higher than last fiscal's Rs. 4,816cr.
Liquor racket bust boosted Delhi's earnings till now
Even before the new excise policy is implemented, the department is already earning more than last fiscal. From April 1 till July 24, the excise department's collection stands at Rs. 1,473cr, Rs. 191cr more than the total collection in the corresponding period last fiscal. This significant growth is due to the bust of a liquor smuggling racket at the Delhi-Haryana border, officials said.
