The Chandigarh Wine Contractors Association is boycotting input on the city’s upcoming excise policy due to discontent over Chandigarh’s strict policy compared to Punjab’s more flexible approach, citing financial losses. President Darshan Singh Kaler highlighted that despite repeated appeals, the administration ignored requests for policy amendments. Approximately 18 out of 95 liquor vends remained unsold, causing an estimated Rs 150 crore loss to the state exchequer in the current fiscal year.
Amid the pending expiration of the current excise policy by March 31, 2024, the UT excise department sought suggestions earlier in November, with a deadline of November 30. However, the association representing 77 liquor vend owners opted not to engage, emphasizing dissatisfaction with the past two years’ experiences.
Kaler highlighted the stark contrast between Chandigarh’s inflexible policy and Punjab’s adaptable approach, where liquor contractors face no obligation to meet fixed liquor quotas, a key point of contention for the association.
Sanjeev Garg, a liquor contractor, stressed the need for a quota cut, pointing out declining sales in Chandigarh compared to Punjab due to price competitiveness and more stringent regulations, leading to penalties for not meeting set quotas.
The UT excise department had aimed for a revenue target of Rs 830 crore in 2023-24 but only amassed Rs 600 crore, primarily from license fees ranging from Rs 3 crore to Rs 15 crore for different vend locations.
Acknowledging the limited suggestions from contractors, a senior UT excise department official noted that Punjab’s liquor policy was under review, taking into account concerns raised by stakeholders. Proposed recommendations included implementing alcohol sensors in establishments, restricting the cooking of non-veg items in open verandas outside taverns, and increasing the distance between liquor vends and educational institutions from 100 meters to 200 meters