Following the Haryana Excise Departmentís rate revision directive to wine contractors issued on Tuesday, local contractors met late last night and announced that they too would hike rates. The Haryana directive enhances prices of almost all brands, regular and premium, by about 15 per cent. Premium brands of liquor have been reduced keeping in view their level of consumption, and prices of light and strong beer remain unchanged. A leading wine contractor who attended Wednesdayís meeting claimed: "We have been forced to implement liquor minimum prices following the considerable hike in licence fee to be deposited with the Administration in instalments." The first instalment was deposited on April 20, he said.

A senior UT Excise Department official, when asked to comment on the revision, said contractors would not forbidden to sell liquor for more than the minimum marked price. Contractors can sell any brand below the minimum marked price, he added.

The Administration proposes to licence 49 pubs in the city for the sale of light and strong beer.The cost of desi liquor has risen by Rs 5 and is now available at Rs 65 and Rs 70 respectively. Yesterday, desi liquor of 50 and 60 proof was priced at Rs 60 and Rs 65.