Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jun 8: There is a possibility that the excise tax on liquor will be increased by 10 to 15% by the government soon as per excise department sources.

The liquor prices were increased in May 2020. Speaking on the subject, S Guruswamy, president of Federation of Wine merchants, said, “Discussions are on about increasing the liquor prices by 15%. But nothing is clear as of now. The government has not spoken anything on this subject with the association. Compared to other states, the price of liquor in Karnataka is way too high. If it is increased, it will have direct impact on the middle class people of the society.”

Beer prices are going to hit hard. There is a possibility that the price may increase by 10 to 20%. Liquor sellers’ association said that price of Budweiser beer will increase from Rs 198 to Rs 220, UB beer from Rs 125 to Rs 135, strong from Rs 130 to Rs 135 and Kingfisher from Rs 160 to Rs 170.

Lokesh Kallipalya, president of Bengaluru city liquor sellers’ association says, “If the price of liquor is increased, the middle class will get affected badly. The government is following the policy of giving guarantees by one hand and snatching more money from public from the other.”