The state government is increasing the annual license fee of domestic and foreign liquor shops and permit room bars by 15 percent, which will affect the price of liquor, and liquor lovers are likely to have to pay more.
According to the revised fees, a total of Rs 21 lakh 32 thousand 100 will be charged for shops selling domestic and foreign liquor, Rs 5 lakh 25,700 for domestic and foreign liquor shops, and Rs 9 lakh 42,500 for permit rooms and bars for one year. This amount is for the year 2024-2025 and it has to be deposited with the government before 31 March. Every year, the increase in license fees and the cost of liquor fall on the pockets of liquor lovers.
Although the license fees are levied by the government for one year, in reality the shops and bars are open only for ten months. Liquor sales are closed for 60 days a year. Nagpur city has a total of 103 wine shops and 1800 licensed permit rooms and bars. A wine shop does an average business of five to six crores a year.
A liquor seller in Nagpur expressed his reaction that the increasing license fees every year is affecting the business, considering the cost of the shop, the cost of employees and the no-objection certificate from other departments of the government. Raju Jaiswal, head of the Association of Permit Bar Room Professionals, responded that there should be consistency in levying fees.