Left out HP liquor vends go for Rs 35cr

Shimla: Despite lockdown and economic recession due to the Covid-19 crisis, retail liquor vends of Shimla, Nurpur, Kangra and Sirmaur zones, which were left out earlier, were sold for Rs 35.52 crore on Tuesday.

Principal secretary (excise and taxation) Sanjay Kundu said against the retail liquor vend business of Rs 1,190 crore, the excise and taxation department has been able to earn Rs 1,180 crore.

Kundu said except for Tuesday’s auctions, the rest sold at full value. He said liquor vends have been sold for the first time without negotiation on renewal tender cum auction basis. Last year, he said, net liquor business stood at Rs 959 crore. This year, he said, there has been business of Rs 1,180 crore. He said liquor vends of Shimla zone have been sold for Rs 2.30 crore, of Nurpur for Rs 6.03 crore, of Kangra for Rs 4.80 crore and of Sirmaur for Rs 22.39 crore.