State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has stated that a final decision on the revision of annual excise license fees will be made after further discussions, following objections from liquor distillers and associations.

He also mentioned that a conclusive decision will be taken following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s return from Switzerland.

The government had previously decided to revise the Annual Excise License fees effective from January 12 this year and an Excise Ordinance was issued by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.

Several license fees, including Distillery License, Toddy bottling, vinegar manufacturing, and annual Wholesale License for liquor, have been subject to adjustments, while the annual license fee for night clubs has been reduced.

The Distillery License fee, excluding Palmyrah arrack, was increased from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 25 million, and the License fee for Palmyrah arrack increased from Rs. 250,000 to Rs. 5 million.

Additionally, the License fee for bottling Toddy saw an increase from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million, while the license fee for manufacturing vinegar went up from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 2.5 million.

The annual Wholesale License for liquor was hiked from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 5 million. However, the annual license fee for night clubs was decreased from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 250,000.