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The maximum surcharge allowed on the price marked on the bottle is 30%. (Picture: Representative)
The new regulations stipulate that fines of up to 100,000 rupees will be imposed for overcharging, and the licenses of illegal operators may also be revoked.
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced strict measures against overcharging at liquor shops after a video exposed overcharging at a liquor shop in Manali. The state's tax department is currently investigating the incident, according to a formal complaint. In response to the growing concerns, the state cabinet met in Shimla on Saturday and took a major decision on liquor pricing. The new regulations stipulate that fines of up to 100,000 rupees will be imposed for overcharging, and the licenses of illegal operators may also be revoked.
The fine structure is as follows: the first complaint is Rs 15,000, the second complaint is Rs 25,000, the third complaint is Rs 50,000 and the fourth complaint is Rs 1 lakh. If a fifth complaint is made, the operator's license will be cancelled. Congress MP Harshwardhan Chauhan confirmed the details and stressed the government's commitment to effectively address the issue.
New policies and recent issues
The Himachal Pradesh government recently implemented a revised excise policy requiring liquor to be sold at the minimum support price (MSP). Under the new policy, the maximum surcharge allowed on the bottle price is 30%. For example, if a bottle is sold for Rs 100, the maximum sales price cannot exceed Rs 130.
Despite such rules, a recent incident in Manali exposed the disparity. A consumer recorded and shared a video showing a quarter bottle priced at Rs 140 being sold for Rs 260.
How to complain about overcharging
Himachal Pradesh’s excise policy divides the state into three zones, each covering four districts. If you are faced with overcharging by a liquor contractor, you can lodge a complaint with the tax department using the following contact numbers:
- Kangra District: Call 0189-4230186
- Mandi District: Call 01905-223499
- Shimla district: Call 01772-620775
