GUWAHATI: The Assam government has decided to halt the issuance of new IMFL ‘ON’ licenses in rural areas, barring select tourist resorts, hotels, and lodges. This decision, announced during the presentation of the state budget for 2025-26, aims to curb excessive liquor consumption in villages while ensuring a smooth transition for existing businesses.
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Finance Minister Ajanta Neog in her budget speech said current license holders in both rural and urban areas will be given the option to convert their ‘ON’ licenses to ‘OFF’ licenses through a regulated process, subject to a conversion fee. This move seeks to balance social concerns with economic stability, ensuring that livelihoods are not abruptly disrupted.
Additionally, she said, to tackle the increasing trend of premium liquor being brought into Assam via flights due to its higher excise slab, the government has proposed a reduction in excise duty for liquor shops operating within airports. This measure is expected to prevent revenue loss and offer more competitive pricing for travelers purchasing alcohol within the state.
Furthermore, under the revised policy, IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) shops will continue to be permitted to sell country liquor. In a reciprocal move, country liquor shops will now also be allowed to sell IMFL, provided they obtain the necessary licensing.
