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Rajasthan allows airport bars under new excise policy
The Rajasthan government has permitted the establishment of bars at airports under its new excise policy, which will be in effect for four years from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2029. This is the first time the state has transitioned from an annual excise policy to a four-year term.
Under the new policy, hotels with at least 10 rooms will now be eligible to set up bars with the prescribed licence. Previously, only heritage hotels with 10 rooms were granted licences under the excise policy. Additionally, an online auto-approval system has been introduced for all types of permissions, licences, and permits.
A cluster-based system has been introduced for liquor shops, alongside a renewal mechanism. If the renewal percentage reaches 70 percent, the existing system will continue. However, if it falls below the set limit, all shops will be allocated under the cluster system, which can be implemented district-wise by the Excise Department.
The total number of liquor shops in Rajasthan will remain unchanged at 7,665. However, an annual 10 percent increase in the guarantee amount has been introduced, ensuring licence renewals for the full four year period. Five percent of the annual guarantee amount for liquor shop groups will be charged as a licence fee, payable in two equal installments.
Model liquor shops with enhanced facilities will be established in Jaipur and other cities. These shops will exclusively sell premium liquor, heritage liquor, premium wine, premium beer, and related accessories. The Excise Commissioner will define the premium category for these products.
In response to the Airport Authority’s request, liquor shops will now be licenced at all airports in Rajasthan based on annual licence fees. These airport shops will follow the model shop framework. The annual licence fee for airport liquor shops has been set at Rs 20 lakh for Jaipur and Rs10 lakh for other cities.