Odisha Government Halts New Liquor Shops for Fiscal Year

The Odisha BJP government has decided not to open any new liquor shops in the state this financial year, according to Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan. To tackle the sale of illicit liquor, the government will update its excise policy. Excise revenue in Odisha has substantially increased from 2013 to 2023.

The BJP government in Odisha has decided not to open any new liquor shops in the state for the current financial year, Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Thursday.

Harichandan highlighted that the sale of illicit liquor remains a significant challenge for the government, prompting key amendments to the existing excise policy, which will remain in force for another eight months. A new excise policy will be introduced to completely curb the sales of illicit liquor.

Despite the state's reliance on liquor sales as a major revenue source, after mineral resources, the decision aims to streamline policy and combat illegal liquor sales. The state's excise revenue has seen a notable increase from Rs 1,780.29 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6,455.06 crore in 2022-23.

As it stands, Odisha operates 1,163 foreign liquor 'off' shops, 702 'on' shops, 19 'on' clubs, 56 beer parlours, and 36 military canteens.

(With inputs from agencies.)