4. Power of [State Government] to declare what is to be deemed “liquor”. –
(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare any substance to be “liquor” for the purposes of this Act or any portion thereof.(2) The State Government may, in like manner and for the like purposes, declare what shall be deemed to be “Country Liquor” and “Foreign Liquor” respectively.
Explanation Rajasthan Excise Act 1950 Section 4
Section 4 of the Rajasthan Excise Act, 1950, gives the State Government the authority to decide what counts as “liquor” under the Act. In simple terms, the government can publish a notice in the Official Gazette to label any substance as “liquor,” making it subject to the Act’s rules, like taxes or licenses. It can also specify which liquors are “Country Liquor” (local, often cheaper alcohol) or “Foreign Liquor” (imported or premium alcohol). This power ensures the government can regulate new or unique alcoholic substances and categorize them properly to control their production, sale, or distribution in Rajasthan.
Key Points Rajasthan Excise Act 1950 Section 4
- Empowers the State Government to declare any substance as “liquor” via Official Gazette notification.
- Allows categorization of liquors into “Country Liquor” and “Foreign Liquor” for regulatory purposes.
- Applies to the entire Act or specific sections as needed.
- Ensures flexibility to regulate emerging or unspecified alcoholic substances.
- Supports enforcement of excise duties and licensing based on defined liquor types.
Examples Rajasthan Excise Act 1950 Section 4
- In 2025, the State Government declares a new herbal alcoholic drink as “liquor” under Section 4(1), requiring excise duty.
- A 2023 notification labels homemade rice spirit as “Country Liquor” per Section 4(2), restricting its sale to licensed vendors.
- Imported whisky is declared “Foreign Liquor” in 2024 via Section 4(2), attracting higher taxes.
- A synthetic alcohol product in 2025 is notified as “liquor” under Section 4(1), banning unlicensed production.
- A traditional fermented drink is classified as “Country Liquor” in 2022, per Section 4(2), for local regulation.