The Telangana State government has lowered the prices of all types of liquor, except beer. The prices of 180ml and 350ml bottles have been reduced by Rs 10 and Rs 20 respectively, while the price of a 750 ml bottle will be reduced by Rs 40. This applies to all types of liquor, including whisky, vodka, brandy, and others. The goal is to curb the sale of non-duty paid and adulterated liquor in the market.
The State Commissioner of Excise and Prohibition Department made the decision to decrease liquor prices. The department also set new sales targets for licensed wine dealers. They must have a mandatory 10 percent increase in Indian Made Liquor (IML) sales. Field officials who do not meet these targets will need to provide monthly explanations to the commissioner.
Bars are now permitted to sell liquor bottles directly to consumers. Previously, they could only serve drinks in 30ml, 60ml, and 750ml quantities. However, the Wine Dealers Association objects to this decision, stating that it will negatively impact liquor sales in wine shops. They argue that customers will choose to buy from bars at MRP and consume on the premises. They demand that the government rescind this decision, stating that wine shop dealers have invested crores of rupees to run liquor shops in the state.
Existing liquor stocks in wine shops will be sold at the MRP rates on the bottle. Liquor produced after May 5th will have new MRP rates. The excise department hopes that the reduced liquor prices and increased sales targets will benefit both the industry and consumers.
