Depleting liquor stocks: Odisha Govt urged to reopen bottling plants, breweries & distilleries

Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Excise Commissioner Anjan Kumar Manik has sought permission from the State Government to reopen bottling plants, breweries and distilleries ‘in advance to cater to the growing needs of liquor consumers’ soon after liquor shops are opened following the lifting of lockdown.

In 2018-19 financial year, the Odisha Government has received excise Rs 500 crore as revenue and duty.

In a letter to Excise Department Principal Secretary on April 30, Manik said, “All the 12 bottling plants, five breweries and two distilleries in the have been closed since March 25 in strict adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines. In the backdrop of some relaxation permitted of late by Government to reopen certain closed industrial units, it may be considered to reopen the closed bottling plants, breweries, distilleries to manfacture stockpile IMFL, beer, country liquor in advance to cater the growing needs of liquor consumers soon after the liquor shops are opened following lifting of lockdown as and when decided by the Government.”.

The existing stock of different kinds of liquor both in the shops and OSBCL depots may meet the demand for a few days. Besides, in the breweries, the yeast preparation may be damaged unless utilised early for beer manufacturer, said Manik.

“If permitted, the concerned bottling plants, breweries and distilleries may restrict their manpower to 50 per cent or as decided by Government and enforce social distancing, compulsory use of masks, frequent sanitisation of hands etc as per Covid-19 guidelines,” said  Manik.

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