Along with generating revenue for the UP government, the allowing of liquor shops in malls will cause an increase in sale of premium brands as they reach cities like Noida and Lucknow
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath is exploring new opportunities to raise revenue to fill the gap of revenue losses amidst the coronavirus lockdown. The state government has decided to open single and multi-brand liquor shops in malls like Delhi and other metro cities in the state.
The government was, so far, not for the sale of wine and beer in malls as prevalent in other states and metro cities, but given the financial situation the coronavirus crisis has put the state in, it has changed its policy on liquor sales following certain states who have taken the decision to allow selling of wine and beer in malls.
The government said there are several premium brands that are not selling in the state due to government’s policy but after allowing the opening of shops, these brands will move towards big cities like Noida and Lucknow in the state and will fetch good revenue.
Amidst the coronavirus lockdown, the UP government faced huge revenue losses and the government has tried to take new steps to generate revenue to maintain financial expenditure. At this juncture, the government only sells liquor through its retail and model shops. According to the excise department, there are more than 23,000 wine and beer shops operating in the state.
The government has also framed new guidelines to the open liquor shops in malls. According to the norms to open a shop, more than 500 square feet area will be mandatory for an individual, firm, and company and only sealed bottle liquor sales will be permitted in malls.
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