Punjab cabinet authorises CM to tweak excise policy

Punjab Cabinet on Monday authorised Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to take decisions on amendments to state's excise policy in light of impact of COVID-19 and prolonged lockdown.

At a meeting, all cabinet ministers agreed that CM should to take any decision he deems fit to thrash out concerns of liquor licensees, a government statement said.

issue of home delivery of liquor was also discussed but, amid apprehensions expressed by some ministers on allowing doorstep delivery, final decision was taken, it said.

CM is likely to decide on issue in a couple of days, statement said.

Liquor-vend owners have been seeking waiver in license fee and demanding collection of fee on basis of actual liquor sales as against fixed quota system, saying y are bly hit by lockdown.

excise and taxation department has alrey allowed liquor vends to open during time curfew is relaxed. It has also given permission to liquor contractors for home delivery.

Though re is provision of home delivery of liquor in Punjab Excise Act and Excise Rules, decision was taken to ensure social distancing in wake of pandemic.

However, it did t find much support.

Wives of Punjab Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Congress MLA Amrinder Singh Raja Warring h urged chief minister to reconsider government decision, saying it may le to a rise in domestic violence cases.

Even many liquor contractors were also t in favour of home delivery of liquor, saying it will increase ir cost of operation and encour smuggling.