The Bengaluru Urban District Wine Merchants Association held a protest on Friday, raising multiple concerns that they claim are affecting their livelihood and customer affordability. One of their primary demands was to increase the profit margin for retail liquor sellers to 20%.
The association also strongly urged the government to lower the additional excise duties levied on alcoholic beverages. They argue that these excessive duties are making business unsustainable, especially for small-scale vendors and consumers from middle-income backgrounds.
Another major concern highlighted was the rising cost of obtaining a liquor license. The association pressed for the implementation of a fixed cap on license fees. In a statement, they explained that without this, enjoying alcohol with meals in upscale restaurants will become an unaffordable luxury for the middle and lower-middle-class population.
The association’s press release emphasized the need to introduce reforms that can help businesses thrive while ensuring accessibility for customers. Among these, they requested the government to permit the legal sale of packaged food within licensed liquor outlets. They believe this change would enhance customer convenience and increase revenue opportunities for retailers.
The protest reflects growing frustration within the industry, which seeks fair treatment in terms of taxes and regulations. Retailers say these steps are essential not just for business survival but also to make liquor consumption more balanced and regulated in urban areas.
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