Gurgaon, now officially known as Gurugram, is a city located in the northern Indian state of Haryana. The city is known for its rapid development and has emerged as a major corporate hub in the country. However, one thing that has always been a topic of discussion among people is the inexpensiveness of liquor in the city. Compared to other cities in India, liquor is available at relatively lower prices in Gurgaon. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Introduction to Liquor in Gurgaon
Liquor is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in India. The Indian government has a monopoly over the sale of liquor, and each state has its own excise policy. The excise duty on liquor varies from state to state, and this directly affects the pricing of liquor. In Gurgaon, the excise duty on liquor is significantly lower than other cities, which results in the relatively cheap pricing of liquor.
Reasons for Cheap Liquor in Gurgaon
- Lower Excise Duty: As mentioned earlier, the excise duty on liquor in Gurgaon is significantly lower than other cities in India. The Haryana government has a lower excise policy compared to other states, which translates to lower prices of liquor for the consumers.
- Competition: Gurgaon is home to several bars, pubs, and clubs, which results in a highly competitive market. In order to attract more customers, liquor prices are kept low. This competition also leads to discounts and offers on liquor, which further reduces the prices.
- Direct Procurement: Many liquor shops in Gurgaon procure their liquor directly from the manufacturers, bypassing the middlemen. This results in lower costs and lower pricing for the consumers.
- Smuggling: Another reason for the relatively cheap pricing of liquor in Gurgaon is the rampant smuggling of liquor from neighboring states with lower taxes. Many people from neighboring states like Delhi, where the pricing of liquor is much higher, come to Gurgaon to purchase liquor at lower prices.
Impact of Cheap Liquor on Society
While the cheap pricing of liquor in Gurgaon may attract more customers, it also has its negative impact on the society. The availability of cheap liquor can lead to increased consumption, and in some cases, alcohol abuse. The government needs to strike a balance between low pricing and regulating the availability of liquor to prevent its negative impact on society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the low excise duty, competition, direct procurement, and smuggling are the major reasons for the relatively cheap pricing of liquor in Gurgaon. While this may attract more customers, it is important to regulate the availability of liquor to prevent its negative impact on society. The government needs to strike a balance between low pricing and regulating the availability of liquor to prevent its negative impact on society.