Bhubaneswar: Odisha Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan today informed the Odisha Assembly that the government has not reopened any previously closed liquor shops in the state since June 2024.
In response to a query by MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak, the minister cited reasons such as public objection, court cases, involvement of licensees in illicit trade, and non-renewal of licenses due to insolvency for the closure of liquor shops.
Harichandan stated that the government has decided not to open new liquor shops, indicating a shift towards a liquor-free Odisha.
When asked about the government’s policy roadmap, the minister did not provide specific details but hinted at steps being planned to achieve a liquor-free state.
