While there is a nation-wide debate whether to go for total prohibition, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government has issued a new notification according to which all categories of retail excise licensed outlets selling liquor will remain closed only for 4 days and half a day on Dol yatra. The number of dry days in the state now has come down to 4.5 from earlier 12.
A notification issued by Bengal’s excise department states that selling liquor will remain closed on the following days- Republic Day – whole day, Independence Day – whole day Gandhi Jayanti – whole day, 10th day of Muharram – whole day, Dol yatra (Holi in Bengal) – half day
In the last Budget West Bengal government had projected to earn around 9% of the total tax revenue from excise earnings. The latest decision has come ahead of festive season and is aimed to garner more revenue from the sale of alcohol.
However, bars attached to hotels with three stars and above and clubs have been exempted from the rule and will be allowed to serve liquor on all 365 days.
It is worth to mention here that Bihar government has imposed a complete ban on liquor in the state while Mamata Banerjee has allowed more wet days in the state.
