Excise dept bans liquor sale against coupons

The excise department has warned liquor shops in the national capital against selling liquor on the basis of coupon or token in the city. The move has been made to curb the distribution of alcohol to influence voters during elections in Delhi.

An official said the department has issued a circular directing liquor outlets across the national capital to strictly follow the opening and closing time of their establishments.

The seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will go to polls on May 12.

In its circular, the department informed these establishments that all the sale of liquor will be done only through scanners.

According to the official, any violation of the order will be viewed seriously and strict action will be taken against liquor shops as per the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, and the Delhi Excise Rules 2010.

“Liquor outlets have also been asked to maintain an up-to-date brand wise stock register. Also, no sale will be done on the basis of coupon or token,” he said.

The circular stated in view of the Lok Sabha polls, the licensee such as L-6 (liquor shops), L-7 (retail vend of Indian liquor in private sector), and L-10 (retail vend of Indian liquor to holders of license shopping malls and shopping complex at airport).

On March 19, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office had said that a total number of 257 FIRs were registered under the Excise Act and 263 persons were arrested.

“Till date, two litre, 257 bottles, 33,385 quarters of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL); 223 bottles, 131 half bottles, 64,908 quarters of country liquor; and 412 bottles of beer have been seized,” the CEO office said in its statement.