Team Herald
PANJIM: In the land of sun, sand and sea, from now on beer will be costlier as the State government on Saturday announced hike in the excise duty by 10-12 per bulk litre.
However, the traders were quick to respond claiming that the hike will not affect the sales.
While entry-level beer attracted Rs 30 per bulk litre, the excise duty has now been increased to Rs 42 per bulk litre. In the premium segment, strong beer with more than 5 per cent alcohol content and where the retail price exceeds Rs 160 per bottle, a duty of Rs 60 per bulk litre has been imposed, as against Rs 50 per bulk litre earlier.
Meanwhile, All Goa Liquor Dealers Association President Dattaprasad Naik said that the price hike is not going to affect the sales of beer.
“The beer consumption is all local consumption. Hence the hike is not going to affect traders. This will affect the consumers,” said Dattaprasad. He said that the price hike is probably to increase revenue to the government.
“The companies will raise the cost according to their standards and after an increase in the excise duty the costs of beer may increase by Rs 15 to 20,” he added.
Dattaprasad also said that their demand has been on reduction of duty on Indian made foreign liquor and foreign liquor as these liquor labels are taken outside the State by tourists and reduction of duty will promote sales.