We have some unfortunate news for people in Chandigarh, the cost of premium whiskey brands will now go up by 20 to 25 per cent in the state, though there would be no change in the prices of beer and wine. In fact, you might get cheaper beer at microbreweries. This information was released under the UT administration’s newly drafted excise policy.
While this hike in alcohol prices may sound disappointing, Chandigarh will still continue to be cheaper for booze as compared to Haryana and Punjab. So we guess that’s something to be happy about. Delhiites, don’t give up on Chandigarh as a weekend getaway destination as yet!
The administration believes that this renewed pricing policy could help increase revenues to Rs 600 crore this year (an 18 per cent boost as compared to earnings in the last year). The excise duty on domestic liquor (IMFL) will increase by 20 per cent, while country liquor will be subject to a 17 per cent hike.
According to the president of the Chandigarh Wine Merchants Association, Mr Sat Pal, the exact pricing should be out once the allotment of vends to alcohol vend owners is completed.
Well, let’s not get bogged down by the news, we can always switch to beer and wine if premium whiskey seems to heavy on the pocket!