Liquor contractors are offering huge discounts on various brands of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and country liquor to clear old stocks. Liquor is now being sold below the fixed price of the Excise and Taxation department in violation of the rules. Contractors,however,say they have no choice as their huge stocks have to be cleared by March 31. The quota cannot be carried forward to the next year. Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner Parampal Singh said he will conduct checks because one cannot sell below the prices fixed by the department. As per the prices listed outside vends,a full bottle of Royal Stag is available at Rs 200. It was being sold for Rs 300 till yesterday,while the government price is Rs 290. Blenders Pride is priced Rs 300,against the Rs 450 earlier. The government price of this brand is Rs 390. Bagpiper is available at Rs 140 against Rs 210,which was the earlier price charged by contractors,while Rs 190 is the government price. Prices of premium brands like Black Label and Blue Label have also been slashed from Rs 2,050 and Rs 1,900 to Rs 1,900 and Rs 1,700 respectively,while 100 Pipers is priced Rs 600 against Rs 900. All these brands are also being sold below the prices fixed by government. Country liquor is available at Rs 70 against the earlier price of Rs 110,while the government had instructed contractors not to sell it below Rs 90 a case. Contractors,however,have indicated further discounts in the coming days because they have to clear all stocks in a few days. A buy one get one free offer is also being considered,said few contractors. Some are offering free snacks.
