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In a bid to enhance excise revenue and invigorate nightlife, the Uttar Pradesh excise commissioner has formed a five-member committee tasked with devising strategies such as extending bar operating hours and granting liquor licenses to F&B outlets in IT parks. The directive, issued on Thursday, underscores the importance of exploring new revenue sources, given Noida and Ghaziabad’s status as parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) and their economic similarities with other NCR cities.
Chaired by Jogendra Singh, Joint Director of the UP Excise Department, the committee includes officials like Alok Kumar, Deputy Excise Commissioner, and district excise officers from Noida, Ghaziabad, and Muzaffarnagar. Rakesh Bahadur Singh, a member with past experience as DEO of Noida, provides valuable insights. With a deadline of 15 days, the committee is tasked with presenting actionable recommendations to augment revenue streams.
In a meeting held in Greater Noida, stakeholders including restaurateurs, liquor vendors, and district excise officers discussed strategies to align NCR cities’ excise policies with those of neighboring Delhi and Gurugram. Varun Khera, President of NRAI’s Noida chapter, advocated for extending bar hours to mirror the nightlife standards of adjacent cities.
The excise department contemplates extending bar hours in Noida, possibly till 3-4am, and granting permanent liquor licenses to F&B outlets in IT parks. Such measures align with the burgeoning economic activities expected with the development of Jewar airport and the influx of major companies, promising a more vibrant nightlife scene. Additionally, plans are underway to facilitate the availability of international liquor brands.
With the excise revenue of GB Nagar reaching ₹1,975 crore in 2023-2024, the department anticipates a substantial increase, targeting a rise of 40-45% in the next fiscal year through effective implementation of the committee’s recommendations. These initiatives not only promise economic gains but also aim to enhance the cultural and recreational landscape of Noida and Ghaziabad.
