Chandigarh, February 25
BUYING LIQUOR in Punjab will soon be an experience no different from picking up grocery, with the state government deciding to allow sale of beer and liquor at department stores.
The decision taken at a state Cabinet meeting to approve the excise policy for 2009-2010 will make it easy for those who need a quick bottle, or women who found it awkward to visit conventional liquor vend.
However, the licence for liquor sale would be awarded only to stores with an annual turnover of at least Rs 100 crore. This is to ensure liquor is not sold in every nook and corner. On seeing the results, the government may extend the permission to “moderate stores” as well, according to a senior excise and taxation officer.
The official said anyone with a turnover of Rs 100 crore could apply for the new licence category called “L2C”. “These stores will stock only ‘Indian
