Jaipur: Liquor contractors in the state Tuesday renewed their demand to extend the operating hours of liquor shops from 8pm to 11pm and warned a protest outside the chief minister’s residence on Aug 24 if the state govt failed to amend the excise policy.At a meeting Tuesday, the contractors’ association also demanded to waive the remaining dues from the Covid-19 period and that the govt immediately stop the attachment and auction of contractors’ movable and immovable properties for the recovery of those dues.Preetam Singh, an office-bearer of the association, said, “Changing social habits have reduced business during the current operating hours, with many people attending weddings, parties and other social events only after 8pm. The early closure of liquor shops encourages black marketing and illegal sales while reducing govt revenue.”The association said extending shop timings until 11 pm would increase legal sales and boost excise revenue.“The Rajasthan govt has recently amended the Rajasthan Excise and Temperance Policy 2025–29, and under the revised provisions, the Excise Commissioner has been authorised to extend shop timings. However, no decision has been taken in this regard so far. If we compare Rajasthan with neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, shop timings are not earlier than 10pm,” added a stakeholder.Contractors objected to the existing monthly guarantee (mandatory purchase) lifting system under the excise policy, saying liquor sales fluctuated considerably due to religious events and seasonal factors, making the current system impractical. They urged the govt to replace the monthly guarantee mechanism with a quarterly guarantee system.The association said liquor contractors in Rajasthan would participate in the proposed Aug 24 protest if their demands remained unaddressed and appealed to members across the state to join the agitation.There were a total of 7,665 liquor shops in the state, although a few remained unsold during the liquor auction. Liquor vendors were among the state’s largest contributors to revenue, generating nearly Rs 18,000 crore annually.“Their demands, which are fair, should be considered,” said another stakeholder.
