1,952 liquor bottles without barcode, permit seized in Chandigarh

The UT Excise and Taxation Department seized 138 bottles of foreign liquor without barcodes and holograms, 564 bottles of foreign liquor and 1,250 bottles of countrymade liquor, all being sold without permit, during a drive today.

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The department has constituted special teams to conduct surprise checks across the city to ensure compliance with the Excise Policy 2025-26. Any violation of rules will invite stringent action, said officials.

According to the officials, these teams will monitor the selling price of liquor and check whether bottles are being sold without barcodes or holograms.

The department is maintaining a close watch on liquor smuggling from the city. According to officials, dedicated teams have been formed to conduct surprise inspections at liquor vends, bars and restaurants. These teams will also monitor the city’s bottling plants.

In the past two months, the department has seized liquor being sold without proper holograms. Strict action will be taken against outlets found selling liquor without the required holograms. The excise teams will work in coordination with the police, and vehicle checks will also be conducted at the city’s borders, they said.

The department has warned all licensed liquor vendors in the city of licence suspension and legal action in case they were found of involved in smuggling.

To curb inter-state smuggling of liquor, the department has initiated communication with neighbouring states, ensuring swift information sharing whenever liquor meant for Chandigarh is seized elsewhere, stated the officials.

They said regular inspections and enforcement activities were being conducted to combat illegal practices and promote transparency in liquor distribution and sales.

The department has implemented a track-and-trace system for real-time monitoring of liquor production and distribution. Non-compliance with this system invites strict punitive measures.