Liquor brands back on Chandigarh shelves sans hike in ex-distillery price

For those who have been waiting for their favourite liquor brand for over a month, the wait is over now, as the companies have decided to sell liquor without an increase in ex-distillery price to the retailers.

For those who have been waiting for their favourite liquor brand for over a month, the wait is over now, as the companies have decided to sell liquor without an increase in ex-distillery price to the retailers.

Every year manufacturers seek permission from the UT excise department to increase their ex-distillery price (EDP). Once approved, the liquor can be sold at the new price. The usual increase is between 15-20%. But this year, the DC had rejected their demand. (HT File Photo)

The liquor brands, including Signature, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s, Blenders Pride, Royal Stag and Imperial Blue, were out of stock in the city for the past three odd weeks after the administration’s declined the liquor companies’ demand of increasing ex-distillery price — the rate at which they sell liquor to the retailers without taxes.

Every year, around this time, manufacturers seek permission from the UT excise department to increase their ex-distillery price (EDP). Once the excise department approves the EDP rates, the liquor can be sold at the new price. The usual increase is between 15-20%. But this year, deputy commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi had rejected their demand.

With the DC sticking to his decision — and the liquor-vend owners not ready to pay the extra amount — the manufacturers have decided to supply liquor without the increase in the EDP. They have written to the DC seeking permission to supply these liquor brands.

Considering several complaints of liquor being sold at more than the minimum retail price at some vends, the excise department has now issued fresh orders to ensure that the liquor is available at uniform rates across the city. It has also directed no liquor vend owner will be allowed to sell liquor below the MRP.

Chandigarh Wine Merchant Association present Satpal said, “All these liquor brands will be available from this week, as the companies have applied for permits, and have adhered to the administration’s orders. Some companies have already applied, while others are in the process.”

Major liquor brands such as Rock Fort, Macintosh and Soulmate are available on the counters right now, while other brands will be available soon, he added.