This State Allows You to Drink Alcohol At Work

The Haryana government has introduced a new liquor policy for the year 2023-24, allowing employees of large corporate offices to consume low-content alcohol beverages on the premises. The policy, approved by the Haryana council of ministers, permits the possession and consumption of beer, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages in corporate offices with a minimum of 5,000 employees and a covered area of at least one lakh-square feet.

Under the policy, a special licence (L-10F) will be granted to corporate offices that meet the specified criteria. The minimum area of the office’s canteen or eatery should be 2,000-square feet. The licence will be issued upon payment of an annual fixed fee of ₹10 lakh, in addition to a security amount of ₹3 lakh. The licenced premises must not be a thoroughfare or connected to public areas. The procurement of liquor stock should comply with the policy’s regulations.

The collector (excise), with the approval of the excise and taxation commissioner, will grant the L-10F licence, which will be renewed by the deputy excise and taxation commissioner. The policy also includes an increase in the application fee for temporary licences (L-12AC) for event organizers serving liquor at entertainment shows, exhibitions, and other similar events. The fee has been raised based on the number of attendees, with the maximum fee set at ₹10 lakh per event per day for gatherings exceeding 25,000 people.

Additionally, the Haryana government has raised the excise duty on certain categories of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and revised the minimum retail prices for country liquor, metro liquor, and IMFL brands. The minimum retail price for economy brands remains unchanged.

These updates in the liquor policy aim to provide convenience and flexibility for employees of large corporate offices while regulating the consumption and availability of alcohol. The government’s decision to increase fees for temporary licences and revise retail prices is expected to have an impact on event organizers and consumers in the state.