Bhubaneswar, June 27: The newly-elected BJP government in Odisha is mulling for gradual liquor ban in the state. Minister for Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Nityananda Gond informed this on Wednesday.
Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of International Day Against Drug Abuse, Gond said that society is suffering due to alcohol addiction and the government just cannot encourage liquor sales fearing revenue loss.
“Liquor has been banned in several states. Our government will try to make Odisha liquor-free in a phased manner. Necessary steps will be taken after discussions with Excise and other related departments,” said Gond.
It is pertinent to mention that the government now earns around Rs 10,000 crore annually from sale of liquor alone which was Rs 1094.38 crore in 2010-11 financial year.
On an average, 6.9 lakh bulk litres of liquor is sold in Odisha daily with earning of revenue of around Rs 16.12 crore.
The state has 1928 liquor shops that include 45 beer parlours, 19 clubs, 191 bars in hotels, 1156 off shops, 15 foreign premium liquor shops and 502 restaurant on shops.
Similarly, there are 495 country-made liquor shops in 22 excise districts of Odisha.
