The Government took steps to increase the Annual Excise Licence fees through an amendment to the Excise Ordinance issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Finance Minister, with effect from January 12.
As per the new regulations, the distillery licence fees have increased from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 25 million (excluding palmyrah arrack), while the licence fees for palmyrah arrack have been raised from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 5 million.
The fees for bottling toddy have also been increased from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million, and the licence fee for making vinegar has been raised from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 2.5 million.
The annual Wholesale Licence fee for liquor has been increased from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 5 million, while the Retail Licence fee for liquor has been increased in Municipal Areas to Rs. 15 million, in Urban Council Areas to Rs. 12.5 million, and in other areas to Rs. 10 million.
For hotels that have been authorized by the Tourism Board, the annual liquor licence fees has been raised to Rs.1 million for hotels with 200 rooms or more, Rs.500,000 for hotels with 20 to 199 rooms, and Rs.250,000 for hotels with less than 20 rooms.
However, the annual liquor licence fee for nightclubs has been reduced from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 250,000.
DENETH SANKALANA