Bhubaneswar, Aug 30: In a bid to contain illicit liquor trading and create mass awareness to get rid of alcohol, the Odisha government on Friday announced new Excise Policy which will come to force after March 31.
According to the new policy coming up from September 1,no new IMFL OFF shop / CL shop / OS shop will be opened in the current financial year.
Besides, no new ON shops shall be allowed by the department in the rural suburbs exempting 3-star and above category hotels in rural areas. Apart from it, at least 57 ON Shops which have not yet renewed their license yet will not be renewed in this financial year.
Similarly, the MGQ factor, which is usually increased every year, will not be increased this year.
Bars will only be allowed to serve music. Bar Dance will be banned whereas music and orchestra will be permissible.
In order to sensitize mass against alcoholic beverages, the state government is going to set up a special fund to create mass awareness against consumption of intoxicants.
Provision has been made in the new Excise policy for fresh recruitment, training of staff, more vehicles and establishment of new excise stations to curb illicit liquor trade and crackdown on liquor smuggling.
