Bhubaneswar, 03 April (H.S.): The Odisha Excise Department has rolled out a new excise policy aimed at modernising liquor distribution, enhancing consumer safety, and reducing environmental impact.

As part of the reform, the state has permitted the sale of liquor in tetra packs of up to 180 ml. These durable, paper-based containers will replace conventional glass bottles and are designed with six protective layers to prevent leakage, contamination, and tampering. Officials said the initiative is intended to curb pollution caused by discarded glass while ensuring safer packaging for consumers.

To maintain quality standards, manufacturers of tetra pack liquor must obtain certification from reputed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Packaging and the Central Food Technological Research Institute.

In a key regulatory decision, the government has prohibited the opening of liquor shops on Puri Beach, citing the need to preserve its cultural and spiritual importance.

However, to encourage tourism in other coastal areas, the policy allows the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to operate liquor outlets at concessional rates, with licence fees reduced by 50 percent.

Additionally, OTDC will be granted temporary licences to sell liquor at eco-retreat destinations and designated beach locations under a newly introduced “On Restaurant” category. The annual licence fee for these outlets has been fixed at ₹75,000. OTDC may either operate these outlets directly or assign them to third parties, while also being responsible for providing essential infrastructure such as electricity, water supply, and waste management.

Officials stated that the policy seeks to strike a balance between environmental sustainability, regulated liquor sales, and the promotion of tourism in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda