Delhi govt hikes alcohol rates

Tipplers will have to shell out more to buy liquor in the capital with the Delhi Government today approving a hike in rates of alcohol as part of new excise policy.
As per the government decision, the rates of Indian-Made- Foreign liquor will go up by five per cent, while that of country-made liquor will see a rise of up to 11 per cent.
The hike in rates of liquor was proposed as part of new excise policy which was cleared by a meeting of Delhi Cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
"The new excise policy focuses on better availability of quality liquor in Delhi. The marginal hike in different quality and brands of liquor would come into force after issue of a notification," the Chief Minister said.

Officials said price of country-made alcohol, being sold under 'Economy Liquor' category, has been increased from Rs 120 to Rs 130 per quarts.
The rates of Delhi Medium Liquor, another category of country-made liquor, have been hiked from Rs 90 to Rs 100 per quarts, they said.

The officials said the price of IMFL has been increased by five per cent.
The government has also marginally increased the transportation cost of liquor.
The Chief Minister no increase has been made in license fee for hotels, clubs and restaurants for serving liquor has been effected.
"However, the new excise policy offers an option to the restaurants to deposit the license fee in two equal instalments," Dikshit said.

Delhi is said to be the largest market for imported wine and spirits after Mumbai in the country.