The Karnataka government has implemented a new Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based excise duty system on liquor. After this, the prices of liquor have been changed across the state. The new rates have been implemented in all cities and districts including Bengaluru. After this decision of the government, the MRP of many popular liquor brands has increased.
The state excise department has fixed new prices in different categories of whiskey, rum, vodka, gin and brandy. The new rates will be applicable on 90ML, 180ML and 750ML packs.
Impact on popular brands
The new prices impact popular brands like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, Old Monk, McDowell’s No. 1, Signature, DSP Black, Smirnoff, Magic Moments and Officers’ Choice.
The government has divided liquor into different price slabs. This includes liquor ranging from budget range to premium category. There has been a slight increase in some brands, while the prices of many premium brands have become much higher than before.
Which liquor in which slab?
The government has divided the prices of liquor into seven slabs.
Slab-1 and Slab-2: Budget Category
These categories include brands like Legacy Special, Carnival Rum, Bangalore Whiskey and Amrit XXX Classic Rum. Their prices have been kept from Rs 370 to Rs 485.
Slab-3 and Slab-4: Mid Range Brands
This includes brands like Old Tavern Whiskey, Bagpiper XXX Rum, 8PM Blue, McDowell’s No.1 Celebration Rum and Honey Bee Brandy. Their prices have reached around Rs 560 to Rs 650.
Slab-5 and Slab-6: Premium Range
There has also been a change in the prices of brands like Officers Choice Gold, Old Monk, DSP Black, Imperial Blue and McDowell’s Reserve. 750ML bottles of many brands have now reached Rs 850 to Rs 900.
Slab-7: The most expensive category
This includes big brands like Royal Stag, Blender Pride, Signature, Smirnoff and Magic Moments. The price of a 750ML bottle of Royal Stag has been fixed at Rs 1,145, while the price of Blenders Pride and Signature has reached Rs 1,330.
Government will increase revenue
It is believed that the new excise system will help the Karnataka government in increasing revenue. In the past too, the state government has been trying to increase income by increasing the tax on liquor. However, the increase in liquor prices will have a direct impact on common customers. Especially people buying premium brands will now have to spend more money.
eyes of customers and businessmen
After the new prices, liquor traders and customers are now keeping an eye on the market reaction. It is believed that there may be a change in the pattern of liquor sale in the coming days.
