In Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Territory Administration has issued New Excise Policy for 2020-21 effective from 1st of September till 31st March next year. AIR correspondent reports that the new policy aims at rationalizing the tax structure to optimize revenues besides encouraging transition from High to Low Alcoholic drinks. The policy also aims at providing choice of brands to consumers and level playing field to those in the trade and 50 per cent Additional Excise Retail Duty commonly known as Corona Tax has been waived off.<br />'' <br />''The policy would help in achieving the financial targets despite COVID-19 challenges. To generate additional revenue for common good, bottling fee @ 10 to 12 rupees per bottle has been introduced on bottling of all kinds of liquor. Besides, the existing Excise Duties have been marginally increased. The Policy provides for grant of new licenses for Wine Shops in un-served and under-served areas through e-tendering in a secured and transparent manner.<br />'' <br />''Under the new policy, provision for reservation to Ex-servicemen, Specially-abled SC/ ST/ OBC and Economically Weaker Sections @ two per cent each has been made while granting new license fee and new Start-ups established by availing loans under any of self-employment scheme of government will get concession on up-front fee of five lakh rupees instead of seven lakh rupees. The Bars at tourist locations and areas falling under various Tourism Development Authorities shall have to pay half of amount prescribed under annual license fee.<br />'' <br />''To curb bootlegging/ smuggling of Super Deluxe/Bottled in Origin (BIO) price correction has been made by imposing additional assessment duty 20 per cent instead of 40 per cent. The new policy has authorized Excise Commissioner to scrutinize all the violations/frauds committed in grant and renewal of licenses in past. The validity of renewal of license shall be for one year as per the rules and not for five years as in earlier policy. <br />