Odisha Govt Announces New Excise Policy

The Odisha government unveiled a revised excise policy that will go into force after September 2024. The following terms and conditions are part of the new excise policy, which aims to stop the illegal liquor trade and raise public awareness of alcohol usage.

1. No new IMFL OFF shop / CL shop / OS shop will be opened in the current financial year.
2. Apart from only 3-star and above-category hotels in rural areas, no new ON shop shall be opened.
3. 57 ON Shops which have not been renewed before will not be renewed again in this financial year.
4. The MGQ factor, which is increased every year, will not be increased this year.
5. Bars will only be allowed to serve music. But Bar Dance will not be allowed.
6. The state government has set up a special fund to create mass awareness against the consumption of intoxicants.

To stop the illegal liquor trade and crack down on liquor smuggling, provisions have been made in the new excise policy for new hires, staff training, additional vehicles, and the construction of new excise stations.