Haryana government has changed its excise policy for 2020-21 under which bars, other drinking places and liquor shops in two of its big revenue generating cities, Gurugram and Faridabad, will remain open till 1 am. The new rule is also applicable to Panchkula also.
The new policy also makes beer and wine cheaper and reduces licence fees for restaurants and hotels serving liquor. However, country made liquor will be costlier in the state.
Bars in Gurugram, Faridabad and Panchkula will remain open till 3 am if the licence holders pay one time additional fee of Rs 10 lakh per hour.
Until now bars in these districts remained opened only till 12 am. The 1 am extension was available only on additional payment. The new rules will come into effect from April 1.
The bar timings have been changed keeping in view of the timings in Delhi where the bars remain open till 1 am.
Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala, who is also the state’s excise and taxation minister, on Thursday said that changes in the policy would help the government earn more revenue, especially in NCR. The excise department was not earning revenue as people drinking late shifted to Delhi.
The new excise policy also introduces ‘super mild’ beer for the first time.
