Date:08/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/08/stories/2005010800971703.htm

Back Reform excise policy, Orissa told

Our Bureau

BHUBANESWAR: The All-India Brewers' Association has urged the Orissa Government to introduce various reforms in its excise policy.

Low quantity alcohol drinks like beer and wine should be treated differently than Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and country liquor, the Association has said.

In a memorandum submitted to the State Excise Commissioner, the Association has said that Orissa had immense potential to grow as the present level of per capita consumption and per capita outlets were very low compared to other States.

Pointing out that the consumer price of beer in the State was one of the highest in the country, the Association appealed to the government to constitute a high-level empowered committee to undertake a study of the progressive steps taken by other States to reformulate the excise and distribution policy of the beer trade.