Excise dept assures no selling of liquor to influence voters

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 24

In view of the Lok Sabha elections, the Excise Department has warned liquor outlets against selling on the basis of “coupon or token” — a move aimed at checking distribution of alcohol to influence voters during elections in the national capital.

The liquor shops have been told to strictly adhere to opening and closing time of their establishments, maintain brand-wise stock register and the sale of liquor to be done only through scanner.

The department has stated that non-compliance and violations of the order by licensee, including L-6 (liquor shops), L-7 (retail vend of Indian liquor in private sector), L-10 (retail vend of Indian liquor to holders of license shopping malls and shopping complex at airport), will be viewed seriously and strict action will be taken as per the Delhi Excise Act, 2009, and the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.

The order comes in the wake of an increasing number of cases Delhi has witnessed under the Excise Act since the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections has come into force on March 10.

Data shared by Chief Electoral Officer’s office shows that a total number of 384 FIRs were registered in the Excise Act resulting in as many arrests under the Act as on March 22.

Election authorities stated that till date, 370 bottles, 51 halves, 47,425 quarters of Indian-made foreign liquor and 451 bottles, 643 halves, 19,3068 quarters of country liquor and 4,370 bottles of beer were seized.

The polls for seven the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 12.