8 liquor shops sealed in Kullu for overcharging

Rs 25,000 penalty imposed on each outlet; licences may be cancelled for repeat violations

Kullu, September 10

The Excise and Taxation Department has sealed eight liquor shops in Kullu district for allegedly selling liquor above the printed prices, officials said on Wednesday.

The department has imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on each outlet. The shops would be allowed to reopen only after the payment of the prescribed penalty, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Excise and Taxation Gagnesh Gupta said departmental teams sealed liquor shops at Palchan, Shamshi, Bashing, Sarwari Bazaar, Jagatsukh, Manalsu, Manglore and Haripur.

The action followed confidential and written complaints alleging that liquor was being sold at prices higher than those printed on the bottles.

Gupta warned liquor vendors against overcharging customers and said even charging Re 1 above the printed price amounted to a violation and would invite action. He said repeated violations could lead to stricter measures, including the cancellation of licences.

The department also said it would continue its crackdown on the illegal trade and transportation of liquor and beer allegedly brought into the district from other states.

Officials said inspections and enforcement would continue across the district to ensure that liquor vendors adhered to the prescribed rates.