Liquor gets costlier in Telangana; Cash-strapped Govt restores special excise cess

The cash-strapped Congress government has approved restoration of "Special Excise Cess (SEC)" of Rs 10 per 180 ml size bottle and proportionately for higher sizes on all categories liquor with effect from May 18

Hyderabad: The cash-strapped Congress government has approved restoration of “Special Excise Cess (SEC)” of Rs 10 per 180 ml size bottle and proportionately for higher sizes on all categories of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and Foreign Liquor (FL), with effect from May 18. However, it will be applicable for ordinary liquor, ready to drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages and beer.

Orders have been issued to the officials of the Prohibition and Excise, and Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited (TGBCL) in this regard. All the licensees also have been informed that the revised prices will be applicable for the stocks supplied from Sunday onwards. The officials have been asked to ensure that the revised prices are displayed at all IMFL depots, liquor shops.

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The SEC is expected to generate a revenue of nearly Rs 130 crore to Rs 150 crore a month additionally to the government. Earlier, the State government hiked beer prices by 15 per cent in February this year.