Illicit sales of foreign liquor without proper licenses are rampant in the Tricity area, with the Excise Department facing criticism for its failure to curb this unlawful trade. Not only is foreign liquor openly sold at various liquor shops, but it is also served in numerous bars and restaurants.
This illegal business extends beyond the borders of Chandigarh, as Chandigarh›s liquor is reportedly being supplied to other states without the necessary licenses. The Excise and Taxation Department of UT Chandigarh has been unable to halt this activity, resulting in a significant loss of GST and tax revenue for the administration each year. Cases of unauthorized foreign liquor sales and illicit liquor without licenses have been on the rise in Chandigarh.
Trucks loaded with liquor from Chandigarh have been frequently caught in Haryana and Punjab without proper permits, revealing a failure on the part of the Excise and Taxation Department to address this issue. Allegations of collusion between contractors and department officials further exacerbate the problem. The audit report indicates that the department has consistently fallen short of revenue targets for the past three years due to this ongoing issue.
Some officials within the Excise and Taxation Department are accused of having deep ties with liquor distilleries and contractors, creating a situation where the illicit trade persists without impediment. Suspicions are heightened by the luxurious lifestyles of many department officers, who are known to frequently change expensive cars and mobile devices.
The foreign liquor racket extends to hotels and bars in Chandigarh, where it is served without the requisite licenses. Recent raids conducted by the Excise Department during Diwali resulted in the seizure of 1795 bottles of foreign liquor. Despite the new excise policy stipulating that contractors must hold a separate license for establishments with foreign liquor shops, this regulation is reportedly being violated. The illegal consumption of foreign liquor is prevalent in dhabas, hotels, and liquor shops across the city.
Authorities seize 209 imported liquor bottles
Chandigarh: The Excise and Taxation Department in UT Chandigarh carried out an unannounced inspection of two Imported Liquor (L1F) shops and one warehouse. Led by Nirapjit Kaur, ETO, and Randhir Singh, ETO, two inspection teams were involved. Authorities seize 209 imported liquor bottles. The Excise team confiscated all the items, and further legal actions will be initiated against the licensees in accordance with the provisions of the Excise Act.