The bar owners are upset and irked at the increased annual renewal fee of the shops or bars.
“Starting April 1st, the annual fee of the on shops (bars) will be increased depending upon the area of the bar, said an official of the excise department.
Previously the renewal fee for bars was ₹2.5 lakh but from 1st April this year, bars with an area up to 1000 sq feet will be ₹4 lakh, bars with an area between 1000 sq feet to 2500 sq feet will be ₹6 lakh and bars with areas above 2500 square feet will be ₹8 lakh falling under municipal areas.
In rural areas before the annual renewal fee for bars was ₹1 lakh but now it is increased to ₹2 lakh.
ALSO READ: Liquor Prices To Increase From April 1 Across Assam
In areas falling under municipal boards (small towns), the annual renewal fee up to 2000 sq feet now will be ₹3 lakh and above 2000 sq feet area will be ₹4 lakh.
An owner of a bar located in the Ulubari area talking to GPlus said, “Many bars will close down,” adding that it is a huge increase and these days there is not so much sale in bars as before.
He also said that from 1st April the prices of liquor are also increasing which will compel the bar owners to increase the price of liquor which will further impact sales.
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It needs to be mentioned that the Assam Government has decided to increase the prices of Indian-made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in the state. In a notification issued by the Excise Department of Assam dated March 6, the prices have been increased for selected categories of IMFL.
The increase is effective for Rum, Brandy, Whiskey, Gin, Liquor Cordials and other similar alcoholic products produced in India.
It is important to note that the price revision will come into effect from April 1, 2024. A source at the Excise Department said, "The increased rates of the liquor brands will be known after April 1."
