Chandigarh, March 9 — The Chandigarh Wine Contractors Association has urged the UT administration to promptly release its excise policy, citing delays that hinder business planning and market stability.
While Punjab has already announced its policy and scheduled liquor contract auctions in Mohali for March 12, Chandigarh’s policy—now expected on Monday—remains pending.
The association submitted a representation to the UT administrator, also calling for a reduction in excise duty and value-added tax (VAT) to align with Punjab, where both are set at just 1%.
Contractors argue that the higher tax structure in Chandigarh keeps liquor prices uncompetitive, impacting sales.
“If taxes remain high, the liquor trade in Chandigarh will continue to struggle, just like last year,” the contractors stated.
The policy announcement, initially scheduled for Friday, was delayed due to the absence of Commissioner Excise and Taxation Hari Kallikkat.
