MUMBAI, 2nd JULY, 2025 (GPN/ Sanjay Giri)- The state government seems more concerned about revenue growth than the health and safety of liquor consumers. Without consulting any associations of consumers or vendors, the government has abruptly imposed a sharp hike in excise duty on liquor. As a result, both consumers and sellers are extremely angry, and the Liquor Consumers’ Workers Union has recently issued a stern warning of a statewide protest.

A meeting held under the guidance of Mr. Vilas K. Satardekar, Chief Advisor of the only registered union fighting for the rights of licensed liquor consumers and working-class drinkers, and Mr. Vishal Todankar, President of the union, strongly condemned the state government’s move. They have made a strong demand to State Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai to roll back this decision and provide relief to both consumers and sellers.

The government has raised the excise duty on Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by a staggering 450%, resulting in new retail prices being implemented from June 25. This decision has negatively impacted liquor manufacturing companies, distributors, retailers, and, most significantly, the consumers — all of whom now face these inflated prices. The union has urged the government to reconsider the decision.

Due to the price hike, consumers may turn to cheaper and more harmful alternatives such as country liquor, industrial spirit, or even drug tablets — all of which are highly dangerous to health. The union has voiced concerns over this possibility and emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of consumer rights. If not addressed, the union warned, it would be compelled to initiate a large-scale statewide protest.

The union has raised pressing questions to the government:

Why has liquor been chosen as the sole means of revenue generation?

Why were consumers, workers, and vendors not consulted before making this decision?

If this leads to consumer deception or a rise in criminal activity, who will be held responsible?

Why is the responsibility for the liquor industry not assigned to a dedicated ministry instead of the State Excise Department?

How will the government control rising cases of consumer fraud?
Due to the sudden price hike, consumers now have to pay Rs. 25–Rs. 30 extra per quarter bottle, and liquor that previously cost Rs. 160 is now being sold at Rs. 200. Even country liquor prices have increased by Rs. 15–Rs. 20. Shockingly, sealed liquor sold through licensed restaurants and bars on a lease basis is now also subject to an additional 10%–15% charge, as per new government orders. This overall situation is proving to be a burden on the pockets of liquor consumers, the union noted.

The union is urging consumers not to remain silent and to join the movement in the fight for their rights. The annual membership fee is Rs. 100, and interested liquor consumers and workers may contact the following office-bearers for more information:

Vice President – Krishna T. Patil: 7021099543 , General Secretary – Sameer Naik: 9867808571,Secretary – Suryakant L. Dhawale: 9137769676 , Treasurer – Uday C. Cheulkar: 9702556320 , Chief Advisor – Vilas K. Satardekar: 9405272707 The appeal has been made by Union President Vishal Todankar (Contact: 9819589818)