Odisha’s New Excise Policy: No Dance Only Orchestras At Bars, Beach Shacks To Serve Liquor

Bhubaneswar: The Mohan Majhi government has promulgated a new excise policy for 2024-25 financial year and it will remain in effect from September 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, or till the introduction of a new policy.

Keeping in tune with BJP’s election promise to work for a ‘Nisha Mukt’ (addiction-free) Odisha, the government has resolved not to sanction any new off-shops during the current financial year. No new liquor on-shop (where there are designated areas to drink alcohol) will be permitted in villages, though those will allowed at 3-star and above category hotels.

It said licences of 57 on-shops which were not renewed earlier, will not be considered for renewal this year too. Besides, there will also be no increase in minimum guarantee quota (MGQ) in the current financial year. Earlier, the MGQ used to be increased every year.

While prohibiting dancing at bars, the new policy allows for conducting musical performances. “No dance performances shall be permitted within any on-shop premises; however, the on-shops may host musical performances or orchestras within their licenced establishments,” read the new excise policy.

Also Read: Dance Bar Ban: What Should Odisha Govt Learn From Maharashtra Experience?

It further stated that on-shop licence may be granted to OTDC/ ITDC hotels at half the rates applicable for licence fee, based on its location. However, no such concession will be given to OTDC/ITDC hotels leased to private individuals.

To promote tourism in Odisha, the government will allow serving of liquor at beach shacks and issue temporary licences for liquor sale to OTDC at the eco-retreat venues at promotional rate. The licence for location and the number of beach shacks, where liquor can be served, will be based on approval of the Tourism department.

There will be a provision for a dedicated fund to launch campaign on prohibition and de-addiction across the state. Measures against spurious and illegal liquor will be intensified. A new excise centre will also be set up in the capital city to train employees and vacant positions will also be filled up, it added.