Bhubaneswar, 7th Oct 2025: Contrary to widespread reports and public concern, the Odisha Government has clarified that it has no proposal to open new liquor shops in the state. The clarification follows public outrage after Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, in a written reply in the Assembly, mentioned that 70 previously closed liquor shops would be reopened, along with proposals for 4 new bottling plants and 3 liquor manufacturing units.
Clarification from Excise Department
The Excise Department today issued a statement clarifying that the Minister’s response in the Assembly was misrepresented in the media and social media. They stated:
> “There is no current plan or upcoming proposal to open new liquor shops in the state.”
The reopening of certain liquor shops pertains only to those that were previously licensed but later shut down due to reasons such as:
Public protests
Involvement in illegal activities
Financial non-viability
Failure to renew licenses
These shops may be reopened after thorough review and adherence to standard procedures. The department emphasized this is a routine process, not a new expansion drive.
Revenue is Not the Priority—Public Welfare Is
The Excise Department reiterated that public health and welfare, not revenue, remains the government’s top priority. It also stated:
> “The government is focused on protecting people from the harms of illegal liquor and substance abuse.”
To support this mission, the department is:
Conducting awareness drives across the state
Planning to open Model De-addiction Centres in all districts starting October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti)
Promoting anti-addiction campaigns
Use of Technology for Regulation
In a move toward greater transparency, all licensed liquor outlets and bars will soon be mapped on Google Maps, allowing the government to maintain updated and accessible data about alcohol outlets.
If you’d like, I can help summarize this for social media, draft a press note, or prepare a counter-statement for public use.
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