Odisha planning to levy Special Corona Fee on liquor

Bhubaneswar: Following the footsteps of other states, the Odisha government is planning to charge additional duty over and above the maximum retail price of alcohol as ‘Special Corona Fee’, said sources.

The Excise department has proposed to levy an addition duty in excess of 20% on the sale of liquor to fund its Covid-19 expenditure.

Sources said the Excise department has sought the approval of the Chief Minister for levying the Special Corona Fee on liquor.

Several governments including Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh impose ‘special corona charges on the sale of liquor in their states.  

The Odisha government would amend the excise rules for increasing the price of on FMFL, IMFL, wine and beer, sources added.

The state government is also preparing to open the liquor shops across the state with a provision of home delivery to ensure social distancing norms and avoid market rush.

The government is planning to engage food aggregators for home delivery of liquor in the state.

Notably, the state government has allowed bottling plants/ distilleries and breweries to manufacture liquor.