NEW LIQUOR POLICY INTRODUCED IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

New liquor policy was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir. The Administrative Council (AC), met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, G C Murmu hereby approving the Excise Policy and implementing measures for the year 2020-21 for improved tranparency and objectivity related to renewal, cancellation, transfer of licenses and penalties.

The focus of the new policy is to rationalize the number of taxes, duties and other levies to enhance revenues for common good. Moreover, bring about greater social consciousness about the harmful effects of consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages. The policy forsees bootlegging of Bottled in Origin (BiO) brands from neighbouring states, besides providing choice of brands and a level playing field to those in the business.

Underneath present year’s policy, fixed number of licenses/ licensed zones for Ex-servicemen, specially-abled persons, SC/ST/OBC and people belonging to economically weaker sections have been specified by the department.
The License Fee structure has been revisited in the Draft Policy. A fixed component of ‘Annual License Fee’ has also been introduced. Also, the existing per bottle license fee has been revised on higher side as ‘Additional License Fee’.
The Excise Policy for the year 2019-20 was extended till June 2020 due to COVID-19 outbreak that now stands expired.