Auction of liquor vends on March 29

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 25

The Excise and Taxation Department has reduced the number of liquor zones in city from the earlier 12 to six this year. Last year the department had increased the number of zones from the previous three to 12. The draw of lots for auction of the 553 vends will be held on March 29.

Officials of the Excise Department stated that applicants desirous of participating in draw of lots could submit their applications with Assistant Excise Commissioners, Amritsar I, and Amritsar II, apart from designated banks and through the online mode.

Applicants are allowed to submit their applications till 5 pm on March 27. As per the new excise policy the number of liquor vends has been decreased to 553 from the existing 580.

The government will also bear loss of revenue as it has targeted Rs 207 crore instead of the current fiscal earning of Rs 216 crore.

The department has also announced to reduce the licensing fee for hotels in the district. Meanwhile, the fee for marriage palaces has been increased. Owners of marriage palaces will pay on the basis of the rent charged by them. Marriage palaces charging rent between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1,00,000 lakh will have to pay Rs 1,50,000 fee. Earlier, the fee was Rs 1,00,000. Palaces charging more than Rs 1,00,000 will have to shell out Rs 2,00,000 against the earlier fee of Rs 1,50,000.

Officials stated that traders were showing less interest in the auction this year. Further, prices of liquor brands have already dropped by around Rs 100 per bottle at vends.