Tipplers in Uttar Pradesh will have to shell out more on alcohol from April 1 as the state has increased licencing fee and duty on country-made alcohol, Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer.

As per the new excise policy approved by the state cabinet, licence fee on foreign liquor has been increased resulting in a hike of Rs 26 per litre, official sources said in Lucknow on Saturday.

The duty on cheap to premium category IMFL has not been increased but that on premium to scotch categories has been hiked by Rs 20 per litre.
Basic licence fee on country-made liquor has been hiked to Rs 21 per litre from existing Rs 20 per litre, whereas duty has been increased to Rs 130 per litre from existing Rs 108 per litre, they said.

The spokesman said allotments of shops would be done through renewal and public lottery.

"The government has increased renewal fees of IMLF and beer shops to Rs 35,000, Rs 25,000, Rs 17,500 and Rs 8,000 per shop in municipal corporation, nagar palika, nagar panchayat and rural areas, respectively. The government has decided to allow sale of 60 ml bottles of super premium and scotch category of liquor," he said.

Also, the government has decided to permit bars in Noida and municipal corporation areas to serve drinks till 1 am increasing the time limit from 12 am at present.