The proceeds from the additional alcohol levy will be used for expenses related to COVID19. (File)
Chandigarh:
Alcohol will cost more in Punjab now that the state government today imposed a cessation of COVID on the sale of alcohol due to the ongoing shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Punjab government has increased the additional excise duties and additional charges on alcohol in the range of 2 to 50 rupees, depending on the type of alcohol.
This decision will help the state to mobilize additional revenues of Rs 145 crore in the current budget.
“Faced With Huge Income Losses Resulting From Coronavirus Pandemic And Prolonged Lockout In State, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Gives COVID Cess Tax On Alcohol effective June 1, “said a statement.
The state faces a shortfall of 26,000 crore rupees, or 30 percent of the total budget forecast, for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, requiring strict measures to generate additional income, the chief minister said.
It accepted the recommendation of the Group of Ministers, which was established on 12 May, to collect additional excise duties and additional taxes on alcoholic beverages during the current financial year.
The proceeds from the additional levy will be used entirely for expenses related to COVID19, said Singh.
He ordered the excise and taxation department to invoice the cessation in the current year, at the time of issuance of the L-1 / L-13 liquor transport licenses (wholesale licenses).
In accordance with the recommendations, the excise and taxation department decided to impose additional duties on imported foreign alcohol and additional excise duties on other types of alcohol.
