New Excise policy not a step forward to make Odisha a liquor free state!

The new Excise policy of the Odisha government has come into effect from today, September 1.

As per the new excise policy, no new liquor shops will be opened in the current financial year. Besides, several restrictions have been put on dance bars.

However, people demanding ban of liquor in Odisha believe that the new Excise policy can't be taken as a first step towards banning liquor in the state.

As per the new excise policy, no new FL “ON” shop will be sanctioned in rural areas, except for the 3-star and above category of hotels.

Similarly, dance performances won’t be allowed in any “ON” shops buy they can hold musical performances or orchestra after obtaining the necessary permission. 

Besides, to serve liquor,  Beach Shacks will require approval from the Tourism Department and they can operate throughout the year or for a period as decided by the said department.

"No FL ON shops will be opened, it means FL OFF shops can still be opened. We doesn't see this new Excise policy as a step forward by the government to make our state free of the curse of liquor," said a member of an association demanding ban of liquor in Odisha.

He further said, "Any government's concern for revenue can be understood. But in the larger interest, a government needs to think beyond it and take strong decisions to save the youths."

Hooch Tragedies In Odisha

Since 1992, a total of 231 persons have died consuming spurious liquor, informed the state Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan in Odisha Assembly on Saturday.

• In 1992, Cuttack reported highest 134 deaths.

• In 2012, 41 people died at Tukulipada on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

• In 2001, 20 people died in Puri.

• 19 deaths reported in Ganjam in 2006.

• Spurious liquor claimed 7 lives at Tihidi in Bhadrak in 2019.