Odisha revises Special Covid Fee on liquor, levy 15%

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has revised the ‘Special Covid Fee’ on liquor by levying around 15 per cent over the prevailing MRP of 2019-20.

The government had imposed Special Covid Fee on alcoholic beverages in the month of May 2020 over and above tax rates of 2020-21, resulting in an increase of MRP by approximately 50 per cent for most of the alcoholic beverages (IMFL & Beer) compared to 2019-20.

 Now, considering the MRP of liquor prevailing in other states and specifically in the neighbouring states and also to ensure that no non-duty paid liquor from outside the state enters Odisha due to price differential, the government has decided to revise the MRP of these alcoholic beverages sold in the state by rationalizing the rate of “Special Covid Fee” charged.

“For this purpose, a revision in “Special Covid Fee” is being done in such a manner that MRP of various FMFL/ IMFL/ Beer/ Wine/ RTD brands is hiked in the range of around 15% over the prevailing MRP of 2019-20 for most of the products (instead of present hike of 50%) w.e.f. 10.07.2020,” said a statement.

The brand-wise revised MRP of these products are being notified by OSBC and will be available in their website www.osbc.co.in.

In order to avoid overcrowding in liquor shops during Covid-19, the government initially allowed ON/ OFF shop licensees to commence home delivery of liquor from May 24.

The counter sale was allowed on July 1.

Following the decision, around Rs 200 crores has been collected as “Special Covid Fee” so far.