Assam Restores Small Liquor Bottle Sales in Bars and Restaurants

Guwahati: Assam bars and restaurants can sell 180 ml and 375 ml liquor bottles again. The state Excise Department reversed the ban following constant pressure from licensed traders. These sellers claimed the restriction caused significant business losses. Excise Minister Atul Bora confirmed the change at a meeting in Guwahati.

Officials expect the move to help shops meet customer demand while pumping more cash into state coffers. Bora also ordered a crackdown on illicit liquor trade during his visit to Kar Bhawan. He told his staff to maintain zero tolerance for illegal brews. Officers must now patrol inter-state borders to stop the flow of smuggled alcohol.

Bora noted that the review aimed to improve the department's discipline. "The measures, he said, are intended to eliminate illegal liquor trade, boost excise revenue and create a more stable business environment for licensed traders."

The department is pushing to market indigenous heritage liquor globally to bolster the local economy. Officials also plan to shift revenue collection to online systems to block leaks. Bora promised legal businesses a secure environment as long as they follow the rules.