Solan: Liquor producers under CCTV watch

Tribune News Service

Advertisement

Solan, October 2

Officials of the State Taxes and Excise (STE) Department have stepped up CCTV camera surveillance of the manufacturing units and bottling plants and and GPS tracking of their vehicles. The decision to regulate the production, distribution and consumption of liquor in the district was taken after the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Arki Assembly byelection.

The Solan Deputy Commissioner has directed officials to work out a strategy to check the illegal sale of liquor in the district.

Stepping up vigil

Assistant State Taxes and Excise Officers to report daily production and dispatch of liquor from manufacturing and bottling units

Officers must ensure proper functioning of cameras at the units and plants as well as GPS tracking of vehicles carrying liquor

The Deputy Commissioner (DC), STE, on Thursday issued detailed directions to the field staff in this regard. The Assistant State Taxes and Excise Officers have been directed to report the daily production and dispatch of liquor from the factories to the Deputy Commissioner, STE, to ensure there is no pilferage of liquor.

The Assistant State Taxes and Excise Officers have also been directed to ensure proper functioning of the CCTV cameras at the manufacturing units and bottling plants as well as the GPS tracking of vehicles carrying liquor. Periodic inspection of the units will also be done to ensure that these devices are functioning properly and there is no other violation.

Himanshu Pawar, Deputy Commissioner, STE, said, “Separate teams have been constituted to keep tabs on illegal sale of liquor at excise vends and other premises notorious for such sales. It is also being ensured that there is no pilferage of liquor from the manufacturing and bottling plants”.

To check the illegal sale of liquor at retail vends, the field staff have been directed to furnish their liquor lifting and consumption statements before 10.30 am everyday, besides ensuring that the opening and closing times  of the shops are regulated and the stock register is maintained. The officials will also have to identify sensitive liquor shops and raid and seize illegal liquor.