Himachal Implements New Excise Policy: Natural Farming Cess on Liquor, Supply Allowed on Holidays

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): The Himachal Pradesh government has notified the new excise policy. According to the notification issued on Tuesday, now a natural farming cess of Rs 2 will be levied on every bottle of country liquor and Rs 5 on every bottle of foreign and foreign liquor in the state. The government says that this cess will be collected to promote natural farming.

Under the rules issued by the Excise Department, now even on holidays, wholesalers will be able to take supplies from the liquor factory after taking license. Its purpose is to ensure that the stock reaches the liquor shops on time. Under the new rules, the license fee charged per bottle of liquor and beer has been fixed category wise. Apart from this, license fee has also been fixed for setting up a liquor factory in Himachal.

According to Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, the new policy will help the state increase revenue and make the liquor distribution system more systematic.