Goa Budget 2013: Beer, IMFL to cost more

Panaji: Beer and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) will be marginally expensive after Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar presented the state budget for 2013-14 Monday but a consumer can now make up part of the added expense.

In his budget speech in the assembly, Parrikar directed all beer manufacturers to print the “value of the refundable bottle deposit” on it. “This will ensure that the consumer is able to obtain a refund of the price of the empty bottle, which is usually charged extra as a deposit by the vendor,” Parrikar said. “This step will ensure that such bottles are not strewn around and are re-used by manufacturers,” he added. The price of beer has been hiked by Rs. 15 to Rs. 28 per bulk litre depending on the alcohol content in it. Goa, one of the most sought after beach tourism destinations in India, is known for its beaches, nightlife and cheap alcohol as compared to the rest of the country. IANS