The excise department in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh has taken strict action against liquor vendors flouting pricing regulations by sealing six vends. The crackdown comes in the wake of persistent complaints regarding operators charging amounts higher than the fixed retail price, prompting immediate administrative intervention.
Action follows complaints from tourists
According to available details, the punitive measures were initiated after authorities received multiple written and secret complaints, notably from tourists, highlighting instances of overpricing at these locations. Taking cognizance of the grievances, the department moved swiftly to inspect the vends and verify the allegations of arbitrary pricing above the printed maximum retail price.
Vends sealed across major locations
Gagnesh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise for Kullu and Lahaul Spiti, stated that the liquor shops located in Shamshi, Bashing, Sarvari Bazaar, Jagatsukh, Manalsu, and Haripur have been locked down. Furthermore, a penalty of Rs 25 thousand has been slapped on each of the six outlets. Store operators will be permitted to resume business operations only after clearing the imposed fines.
Stern warning to all liquor vendors
Issuing a clear and unambiguous warning to all wine shop operators, the administration directed them to sell products strictly at authorized rates. Officials cautioned that any future recurrence of overcharging will invite severe penalties, including the potential cancellation of their operating licenses. Notably, the liquor vends across Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul Spiti regions have been acquired by a company based in Telangana.
Stock shortages and recent illegal seizures
Apart from the pricing violations, authorities noted that several liquor vends in the district are currently grappling with stock shortages. The department is actively coordinating with the concerned company management to resolve these supply chain issues promptly, though a noticeable scarcity of beer has been reported in the market. It is worth mentioning that just a few days prior to this action, the Kullu excise department had intercepted a truck carrying 500 cases of illegal beer.
