The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday announced its excise policy for 2010-2011. Liquor is going to cost more from now on. The liquor that is made in India will cost Rs. 5 more and Rs. 1o more will be charged for Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL). This rise is valid across all brands.

Earlier the Financial Commissioner (Excise and taxation) had the power to renew licenses of bars, clubs and pubs but it will now rest with the Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner of the division. The amount of liquor to be produced and sold in the state has remain unchanged for the IMFL but has increased y 15% for the country made liquor, raising the quantity to 804 lakh proof litre, which means a total of 22 lakh additional cases can now be sold more.

1.5 crore cases each having 12 bottles were sold before this announcement taking the expected revenue to be Rs. 2501.98 crore which is 23% more than Rs. 2000 crore in the previous year..

In order to promote a greater participation for the lottery for vends, they have exempted the Rs. 1 lakh for application they used to charge.