Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, May 31: In a major reform of the excise regime in the Union Territory, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the New Excise Policy for Ladakh aimed at creating a transparent, technology-driven and liberalized framework while curbing dependence on narcotics and improving regulated access to low-alcohol-content beverages.
Under the revised policy, sale of hard liquor, including Foreign Liquor and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), has been permitted through retail vends. The number of liquor outlets will increase from the existing two to 20 through e-auction, with new vends to be established in Nubra, Changthang, Sham and Zanskar in addition to Leh.
For the first time, guest houses and homestays will be allowed to obtain liquor licences on payment of prescribed fees. Beer bars with micro-breweries have also been permitted. Liquor consumption will now be allowed within hotel premises, including guest rooms, instead of being restricted to bars alone.
The policy introduces a simplified excise structure, including a uniform excise duty of Rs 500 per litre proof litre (LPL) across all IMFL brands. Excise duty rates on liquor, beer and wine have also been rationalised. Manufacturers will be allowed to undertake wholesale distribution to improve supply chains and availability of quality brands.
To streamline licensing, the number of documents required for obtaining an excise licence has been reduced from 16 to six, while the mandatory opinion of the district administration has been dispensed with. Permission has also been granted for serving liquor at private functions and in banquet halls on payment of the requisite fee.
The policy incorporates stringent enforcement measures, including licence cancellation for overpricing. Security holograms on liquor products have been made mandatory to prevent duty evasion, while sale of liquor in plastic bottles has been prohibited. New retail outlets will be permitted only after maintaining a minimum 100-metre distance from religious places, educational institutions, hospitals and public parks.
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