In big news, the liquor traders of Punjab put forth a request from the state government to abolish Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for beer so that they can sell it higher prices in 2024-25. They say that this will help them in reducing the amount of liquor sold and overcoming the liquor shortage.
In fact, AAP led Bhagwant Mann government is making a draft for its third excise policy and is seeking feedback from the liquor traders. Punjab Finance, excise and taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema along with officials had met with liquor traders in Chandigarh on Tuesday, during which they presented their demands to the government.
The minimum and maximum retail prices for beer were implemented last year due to which the price of beer was around ₹160, which is very low according to the liquor sellers. They have asked the government to exclude this provision in the new policy, so that the price of beer can be increased. They say that this will help in reducing liquor consumption and help them in managing their stock.