The Uttarakhand Government has taken a decision, as result of which the Foreign liquor in the state will cost less. The Cabinet also decided to increase the excise duty on liquor.

Foreign liquor is all set to be cheaper in Uttarakhand with the state Cabinet clearing a new excise policy under which VAT on liquor will be reduced from 32.5 per cent to 20 per cent.

A Good Move: 

The nature of Tourism in Uttarakhand has seen a significant change in the past one decade. Now the tourism in Uttarakhand is not limited to pilgrimage. Increasing number of people are reaching Uttarakhand for Adventure activities like sight seeing, trekking, Adventure Sports, River Rafting etc. Such tourists, often want  to eat to non-vegetarian food and consume liquor. Government's decision to reduce VAT on Foreign liquor will help such tourists; which in turn will help the Tourism in the state.

One area which often proves to be an obstacle for Tourism growth in the state, is the ban on the sale of liquor in cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar. This is a big revenue loss to the state, as the demand for liquor in these areas is normally fulfilled through illegal means. This discomforts the tourists who have to pay charged exorbitant prices for their non-vegetarian food and drink.

----