: The Odisha Excise Department has introduced a new policy adding new guidelines for sale of liquor in the state.
According to the new guidelines, the liquor can now be sold in sturdy paper-based tetra packaging instead of conventional glass bottles.
The tetra packs will consist of six security layers to prevent leakage, contamination, and tampering. However, only up to 180 ml of liquior will be available for sale in tetra packs.
This move is expected to address environmental concern caused due to the discarded liquior glass bottles.
The guidelines further specify that manufacturers producing these tetra packs must obtain certification from reputed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Packaging or the Central Food Technological Research Institute, ensuring quality and safety standards are strictly maintained.
In addition to this, the government has also banned the opening of liquor shops on the Puri beach. However, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) are allowed to sell liquor at concessional rates, with license fees reduced by half. OTDC will also be granted temporary licences to sell liquor at eco-retreat destinations and designated beach locations.
The annual licence fee for such outlets has been fixed at Rs 75,000 under a separate 'On Restaurant' category. OTDC may directly operate these outlets or assign them to third parties. It will also be responsible for providing essential infrastructure such as electricity, water supply, and waste management.