Haryana govt’s new liquor excise policy: Corporate offices can now serve alcohol
In a move that breaks new ground in liquor regulations, the Haryana council of ministers has recently approved an innovative liquor excise policy for 2023-24. This groundbreaking policy will allow large corporate offices in Haryana to serve beer, wine, and ready-to-drink low-content alcoholic beverages within their premises, starting from next month. With this forward-thinking decision, Haryana aims to positively impact liquor consumption, particularly in cities like Gurgaon, which are home to some of India’s major corporate hubs.
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Under the new policy, corporate offices with a minimum of 5,000 employees and a covered area of at least one lakh-square feet in a single premises—whether self-owned or leased—will be eligible to consume and possess alcohol within their facilities. This provision sets the stage for a unique and progressive approach to workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
To obtain the necessary L-10F license for serving or consuming low-content alcohol beverages, corporate offices must have a canteen or eatery area spanning a minimum of two thousand square feet. The license will be granted upon payment of an annual fixed fee of Rs 10 lakh. This fee structure aims to strike a balance between accessibility and responsibility.
Furthermore, the Haryana Excise Policy 2023-24 includes a reduction in the license fee for the pub category, specifically for establishments serving beer and wine. By implementing these fee adjustments, the government hopes to incentivize the growth of the alcoholic beverages sector and promote responsible drinking practices.
The policy also addresses concerns related to pilferage by wholesale licensees. Stricter penalties have been introduced to curb liquor theft and discourage illegal practices. Additionally, the excise policy enforces a complete ban on liquor promotion advertisements across various platforms, including social media, by licensees.
In an effort to regulate liquor retail outlets, the maximum number of retail liquor vends in the state has been successively reduced from 2,500 to 2,400 for the year 2023-24. This reduction follows a similar trend observed in the previous year, where the number was brought down from 2,600 to 2,500. The state aims to strike a balance between demand and responsible distribution, ensuring a controlled and monitored retail landscape.
The Haryana government’s progressive liquor excise policy has been met with widespread appreciation from industry executives and experts. They view this as a significant step toward stimulating demand and fostering responsible drinking habits. They further urge other states to adopt similar measures and consider reducing excise duties to promote the growth of the alcoholic beverages sector.
The implementation of this forward-thinking policy in Haryana holds the potential to reshape workplace environments, promoting a balanced work-life culture and fostering responsible alcohol consumption. As the policy comes into effect next month, it will be crucial to observe how corporate offices in the state navigate this unique opportunity while upholding professionalism and ensuring the well-being of their employees. With Haryana leading the way, other states may follow suit, ushering in a new era of progressive liquor regulations across India.
