Raipur
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has begun the process of finalising its proposed new liquor policy for the 2026–27 financial year, with an aim to make the excise framework more transparent, efficient, and industry-friendly.
Under the guidance of Excise Secretary-cum-Commissioner R. Sangitha, the Excise Department held a three-day consultation series in Raipur from October 13 to 15, engaging key stakeholders including licence-holders, distillers, suppliers, and bar owners. The initiative sought direct feedback from industry participants to ensure that the new policy reflects on-ground realities and promotes smoother regulation.
The consultations were structured across three thematic sessions:
- Day 1: The department interacted with distillery and bottling unit operators based in the state. Discussions focused on issues such as import-export duties, bottling fees, licence fees, countervailing duty (CVD), online payment systems, use of new bottles, and warehouse operations on holidays.
- Day 2: The second session involved representatives of foreign liquor companies and out-of-state suppliers. Topics included CVD, handling charges, import-export duties, bottling and licence fees, and operational aspects of foreign liquor warehouses.
- Day 3: The final day saw participation from bar and club owners and their associations. They presented suggestions on Minimum Guarantee (MG) sales targets, licence fees, bar operating hours, sales management based on liquor range, measures to curb illegal trade, and the draft policy framework.
Excise Secretary Sangitha said that all the recommendations from the three sessions will be thoroughly examined before finalising the draft. The upcoming policy will include detailed provisions for the Bar Policy, Ahata (drinking space) Policy, and operational procedures for liquor shops for FY 2026–27.
“The aim is to design a practical, transparent, and balanced policy that benefits both the government and stakeholders while curbing irregularities,” she said.
