The Goa government has reportedly hiked the excise duty on beer by Rs 10-12 per bulk litre while leaving the excise duty on hard liquor unchanged. Foreign liquor across north Indian states is cheaper than in Goa. The hike in the excise duty on beer will now further narrow the price gap. While entry-level beer attracted Rs 30 per bulk litre, the excise duty has now been enhanced to Rs 42 per bulk litre. In the premium segment, strong beer with more than 5% alcohol content and where the retail price exceeds Rs 160 per bottle, a duty of Rs 60 per bulk litre has been imposed, as against Rs 50 per bulk litre earlier. The move will add to the woes of the liquor industry, which has already pointed out that alcohol prices in the state are no longer the lowest in the country. One of the most popular tourism destinations in the country, Goa is known for its liberal liquor regime, where alcohol is taxed less than other states, especially neighbouring states like Karnataka and Maharashtra. It must be said that beer is a mild alcoholic drink, many-a-time referred to as a “lady’s drink". With the increase in the price of beer, people will now go for hard drinks which can lead to health issues and drunk driving. It would have been prudent to increase the excise duty on hard liquor. At wedding receptions beer may not be served due to the cost factor. The increase in the price of beer will also have a negative impact on tourism.
