Mumbai: Beer on the move likely to get cheaper

The state government is planning to allow beer bars and restaurants to sell beer at MRP for those who are purchasing it as a takeaway.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, excise minister told DNA on Friday that they had received the proposal permitting beer bars to sell beer at MRP for those taking it in parcels. He said that many people do not want to drink in the bar and hotel because of high prices and other reasons. "They want to take the beer as parcel so why should they pay the higher price to hotel owners? Therefore, we are seriously considering this proposal to approve it," said Bawankule.

Bawankule said that this proposal will not only bring in revenue but beer lovers will get the beer at MRP. "We will soon set up the committee to take the final decision and give us a detailed report," added the minister.

Ashish Ubhan alias Goldie, the owner of a private wine shop in Navi Mumbai, told DNA that if the government allows the sale of beers at MRP, it will not make much impact on their wine and liquor sale business. "If they permit all sorts of liquor, then liquor shops will suffer. We hope the government does not take one-sided decisions," said Ubhan.

He further said that by allowing the beer bar at the MRP rate, the revenue of the government will go up. State excise official said that the revenue of the excise has been plummeting after the apex court order of shutting down the beer bar at the national and state highways with the 500 meters ambit. "After this order, we have got only 11000 liquor shops in the state. It has impacted on the generation of revenue. Therefore, we have to come out with this proposal to increase the revenue in crisis situations," the official added requested anonymity.