Liquor to cost more in Himachal

Liquor will cost more in Himachal Pradesh and a Corporation would be constituted to handle the liquor trade as per the new excise policy of the state approved by the Cabinet today.
A major reversal in the policy was that after nine years, the liquor licences would not be renewed automatically with 10 per cent increase over the previous year and "competitive bids" would be invited vend-wise is sealed tenders.
The change has been made as there was apprehension of contractors pooling the bids, causing loss to the government.
The sealed tenders would ensure minimum ten per cent increase over last year and the highest bidder would get the license and the increase in revenue was estimated between Rs 250 to Rs 350 crore, officials said.

The proposed Excise and Taxation Corporation would undertake the bidding process, finalise the bids, issue licenses and look after the other commercial aspects.