Liquor becomes costlier in Karnataka! Government implemented new excise system, know new prices

Tezzbuzz Desk- The Karnataka government has taken a big decision regarding the prices of liquor in the state. The government has implemented the new Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based excise duty system, after which new prices of liquor have come into effect across the state. The effect of this decision is being seen in all cities and districts including Bengaluru.

After the implementation of the new policy, the MRP of many popular liquor brands has increased. New prices have been fixed in different categories of whiskey, rum, vodka, gin and brandy. These new rates will be applicable on 90ML, 180ML and 750ML packs.

Many popular brands became expensive

The new decision of the government has affected many big and popular brands. These include brands like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, Old Monk, McDowell’s No.1, Signature, DSP Black, Smirnoff, Magic Moments, Officer’s Choice. A significant increase has been recorded in the prices of many premium liquor brands.

Liquor divided into seven slabs

The Karnataka government has divided liquor into a total of seven price slabs. Different categories of liquor have been included in each slab.

Slab-1 and Slab-2: Budget Category

Low priced liquor has been kept in this category. This includes brands like Legacy Special, Carnival Rum, Bangalore Whiskey, Amrut XXX Classic Rum. Their prices have been fixed at around Rs 370 to Rs 485.

Slab-3 and Slab-4: Mid Range Brands

The mid range category includes brands like Old Tavern Whiskey, Bagpiper XXX Rum, 8PM Blue, McDowell’s No.1 Celebration Rum, Honey Bee Brandy. Their prices have now reached Rs 560 to Rs 650.

Slab-5 and Slab-6: Premium Brands

The prices of many popular premium brands in this category have been changed. These include Officer’s Choice Gold, Old Monk,DSP Black, Imperial Blue, McDowell’s Reserve. The price of 750ML bottle of many brands has now reached Rs 850 to Rs 900.

Most expensive liquor in slab-7

Big premium brands have been included in the most expensive slabs. This includes liquor like Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, Signature, Smirnoff, Magic Moments. The price of a 750ML bottle of Royal Stag has now reached Rs 1,145, while the price of Blenders Pride and Signature has been fixed at around Rs 1,330.

Government will benefit

It is believed that the new AIB based excise system will help the Karnataka government in increasing revenue. In the past too, the state government has been increasing the income by increasing the tax on liquor. However, this decision will have a direct impact on the pockets of customers. Especially people buying premium liquor will now have to pay higher prices.

After the implementation of new prices, the eyes of liquor traders and customers are now fixed on the reaction of the market. It is believed that in the coming days, there may be a change in the pattern of liquor sales and the preferences of customers.