Guwahati witnessed exuberant New Year’s Eve celebrations, with residents embracing the festive spirit and notably escalating their alcohol consumption.
On December 31, 2023, residents of Guwahati collectively spent an astounding Rs 8.5 crore on liquor, marking a substantial increase in alcohol sales for the festive occasion.
This impressive figure not only reflects the celebratory atmosphere but also contributes significantly to the revenue of the Excise Department.
The consumption pattern in Guwahati has been on a consistent rise, with the city recording over 1.42 crore liters of alcohol consumption in the first eleven months of 2022. This includes more than 7.65 million liters of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and over 6.63 million liters of beer.
In comparison, liquor sales on December 31, 2022, amounted to Rs 4.80 crore, and on January 1, 2023, recorded sales reached Rs 3.21 crore in the Kamrup Metropolitan District. These figures surpassed the previous year’s records, indicating a growing trend in alcohol consumption among Guwahati residents.
The Assam government has taken proactive measures to regulate alcohol sales, issuing additional liquor licenses to ensure legal and high-quality products. This initiative aims to protect consumers from the health risks associated with illicit and potentially hazardous alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the state has monitored the quality of locally made tribal drinks, making them available through legal channels.