Bhubaneswar | As Odisha prepares to roll out its new three-year liquor policy, the Excise Department has sent three teams of senior officials to study how alcohol is regulated in four other states — Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
The move aims to gather ideas on better regulation, stricter enforcement, and public health safeguards. The new policy is expected to be launched between June 15 and 20, as confirmed by Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
What’s New in the Policy?
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No new liquor shops will be allowed to open — a big change from previous policies that focused on revenue through expansion.
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The policy focuses on cracking down on illegal liquor, improving enforcement, and closing policy loopholes.
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Penalties will be made tougher, and monitoring systems will be strengthened.
Why the Study Tour?
The Excise teams will look at:
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How other states control liquor distribution,
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Their enforcement systems, and
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Measures taken to protect public health.
The officials are expected to return by July 7-8, after which the final draft of the policy will be completed.
A Broader Effort to Curb Substance Abuse
This new policy follows Odisha’s growing focus on health and anti-substance abuse efforts. On May 31, the state marked Anti-Tobacco Day with awareness drives in schools and colleges, part of a larger push for a healthier, substance-free society.
Officials say the new liquor policy will be long-term and consistent, tailored specifically to Odisha’s needs, while learning from what has worked in other states.
