20% increase in consumption of liquor in Guwahati
Showing an increasing trend in the liquor consumption habit of the city, the data procured from the Kamrup (Metro) Excise Superintendent’s office reveals that the city, till 30th November 2019, consumed 1,35,95,905 litres of liquor.
One bottle measures 750 ml and in one case there are 12 bottles. One case is measured as 9 bulk litres which is nine litres.
A source in the excise department, talking to G Plus said, “There is an increase in the consumption of liquor in Guwahati.” He revealed that there is around 20% increase in the consumption of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and around 50% increase in the consumption of beer.
From 1st January to 30th November 2019, Guwahati has consumed 76,27,281 litres of IMFL and 59,68,624 litres of beer.
Between January and October 2018, Guwahati had consumed 46,74,083 bulk litres of beer whereas the IMFL consumption was recorded at 68,27,587 bulk litres.
But comparing the data from the previous financial year the excise department discovered that trend of consumption of beer is on the rise in Guwahati.
Looking at the data the consumption was more in 2015-16 and 2016-17 but it reduced in 2017-18. In 2018-19 there was a slight increase, but this year the increase is huge.
Liquor consumption in (January to November) 2019
IMFL – 7627281 litres
Beer – 5968624 litres
Total – 13595905 litres
31% increase in excise revenue
The excise department has approximately registered 31% increase in the revenue generation.
Between April and November 2019-20, the excise department generated Rs 2,97,61,69,635 and in 2018-19 (April to November), the excise department generated Rs 2,26,74,13,903.
“There is an increase of 31% in the excise revenue from Guwahati,” said a source in the excise department.
In the year 2017-18, the Guwahati excise generated Rs 1,88,99,67,672.
According to excise department sources the excise department generates around Rs 1 crore as revenue per day these days in Guwahati.
During the recent bandhs the excise department incurred a loss of around Rs 5 crores as revenue from liquor sales. The bars and wine stores were closed.
Around 65 bars to serve liquor till 12 midnight on 31st Dec
Around 65 bars will be serving liquor till 12 am on 31st December for the New Year celebrations.
A source in the excise department said, “There are 35 bars which have permanent license of serving liquor till 12 midnight every day.” For New Year’s celebration around 35 bars have applied for special permission and around 30 bars will get the temporary license.
There are 313 wine shops and 183 bars in the city.
The excise department has asked all the bar owners to install CCTV cameras and the entry and exit points of the bars should not be chaotic.
Many teams have been formed by the district administration to keep patrolling the city on 31st December.
With the amended excise law, people drinking in public places will be prosecuted and penalised.
With the protest like situation in the city, the excise teams will monitor the entire city with the help of the police to avoid any untoward situation.