News
Liquor licences online
The Excise Department will soon introduce an online scheme to issue new licences and also to renew licences to sell local and foreign liquor, a senior official said.
The move will also enable people requiring permits to buy, transport and store stocks beyond the permissible quantity of 7.5 litres for functions.
The scheme is being supported by a World Bank programme aimed at minimising the use of illicit liquor by streamlining the registration process and making the process easy.
At present, the Government has issued around 5,000 liquor permits, but in addition more than 5,000 are known to be selling liquor without permits.
The World Bank is to provide US$ 75 million for the project.
The move also comes in the wake of an increased demand for liquor permits in view of the increased number tourist hotels and restaurants coming up.