| The story about state governments in India buckling down to promote wine and beer instead of liquor continues. Following the footsteps of neighbouring Haryana, Chandigarh has announced a new progressive policy for 2007-2008, which comes into effect on April 1.
A new License called L10AA has been introduced allowing sale of wine for consumption on the premises at a nominal annual fee of Rs. 4500 ( US $100). License fee for pubs has been reduced drastically from Rs. 50,000 to Rs.10,000.This means that wine bars can now be opened in the city , allowing entrepreneurs to promote wine, which has not been possible thus far.
The upper limit of granting new licenses has been also removed. In case the number exceeds last year's number of 215, the administration will review the new applications. Thus, the entry to new entrepreneurs has become a lot easier.
Chandigarh is the capital of Haryana and Punjab states and as a Union Territory , is considered an independent 'state'. Situated 240 kms from Delhi, it is an important metro city and has an immense potential for wine consumption. Haryana has already announced a progressive policy for 2007-08, already reported in delWine.
There is a bit of discouraging news for the imported wines though. License fee for the sale of imported wine and liquor in department stores has been doubled from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000.
Making them more expensive. |
