Liquor contractors remove seal from two vends in Chandigarh, probe ordered

In a blatant violation of the norms, two liquor contractors reopened shops that had been sealed by the Excise and Taxation Department for non-payment of licence fee.

The department has now re-sealed the premises and initiated an investigation. It will also take legal action against the violators.

On Monday night, the Excise and Taxation Department had sealed 16 liquor vends across the city after their contractors failed to pay the licence fee within the stipulated time. However, traders broke the seals of two shops and resumed business in the morning.

“As soon as the matter was brought to our notice early this morning, the shops were immediately re-sealed,” said a senior officer of the department.

Officials said further penalties and possible licence cancellation proceedings against the two contractors could be initiated against the violators once the inquiry was complete.