1 hr ago
West Bengal Raises Liquor Prices Ahead Of Durga Puja
People in West Bengal will pay more for many alcoholic drinks starting October 1.
The government says the change is mainly meant to raise more money.
Shops and companies must register liquor products again under the new pricing system.
Some products may keep the same price, but they still need fresh registration.
The exact new prices for each brand are not known yet.
Old stock with the previous price printed on it can still be sold.
Companies have been told to keep supplies available during the festival.
In addition, liquor shops and bars will be closed on Maha Ashtami during Durga Puja.
Liquor prices across West Bengal will increase from October 1.
The West Bengal State Beverages Corporation Limited ordered fresh registration for all liquor products.
The price revision is intended primarily to increase state revenue before the festive season.
Revised prices for individual brands have not yet been announced.
All liquor outlets and bars will remain closed on Maha Ashtami, October 19.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, the West Bengal State Beverages Corporation Limited, liquor manufacturers and suppliers, and alcohol retailers are involved.
- What
- Liquor prices will be revised, with all products requiring fresh registration; outlets will also observe an additional dry day.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, including liquor shops and bars.
- When
- The new prices take effect October 1, and Maha Ashtami falls on October 19.
- Why
- The revision is primarily intended to increase state revenue ahead of the festive season, when liquor sales traditionally rise.
Key facts
- Price-change date
- October 1
- Responsible agency
- West Bengal State Beverages Corporation Limited
- Registration requirement
- All liquor products must be registered afresh, including products whose prices remain unchanged.
- Individual brand prices
- The notification does not specify revised prices for individual brands.
- Old inventory
- Existing stocks carrying the old maximum retail price may continue to be sold.
- Additional dry day
- All liquor shops and bars will be closed on Maha Ashtami, October 19.
- Supply direction
- Manufacturers have been instructed to maintain uninterrupted supplies during the festive season.
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
Chief minister who announced the Maha Ashtami alcohol closure at a Durga Puja coordination meeting
“On Mahaashtami, on the say we offer Pushpanjali (to Goddess Durga), all kinds of liquor outlets will be shut across the state. Even bars will not be allowed to serve alcohol.”
thestatesman.com









