Excise team reached liquor shops, checked everything from stock to CCTV
Muzaffarnagar: To curb the illegal sale of liquor, overcharging, and irregularities at liquor shops in the district, the Excise Department conducted a massive surprise inspection campaign on Tuesday. Led by the District Excise Officer, various teams inspected liquor, foreign liquor, and beer shops across the district. During the inspection, the shops’ stock, sales arrangements, and security arrangements were closely inspected.
This campaign was conducted under the direction of District Magistrate Umesh Mishra and Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Verma, under the directives of the Additional Chief Secretary and Excise Commissioner, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Excise department teams visited various areas and conducted surprise inspections of liquor shops, instructing shopkeepers to strictly adhere to government regulations.
During the inspection, officials physically verified the liquor stock. The quantity of liquor available at the shops was compared with the details recorded in the stock register. They also checked for any discrepancies in the stock. The teams also examined documents and other records related to sales.
The Excise Department specifically emphasized that liquor sales should be made only through POS machines. Officials instructed shopkeepers not to sell liquor to any customer without a bill and following the prescribed procedures. Furthermore, they also investigated whether shopkeepers were selling liquor above the government-approved price.
To determine the actual situation regarding complaints of overpricing, the department also conducted confidential test purchases. This effort was made to determine whether liquor sellers were charging customers more than the prescribed price. Officials stated that if overpricing or other irregularities were found at any shop, strict action would be taken against the concerned shopkeeper.
During the campaign, CCTV cameras installed at liquor shops were also inspected. Officials instructed all license holders to ensure that the cameras in their shops were always operational and their recordings were preserved. CCTV footage could prove to be crucial evidence in the event of any complaint or investigation.
The District Excise Officer stated that the government’s priority is to ensure complete transparency in the liquor sales system. Illegal liquor sales, adulteration, overrating, and violations of regulations will not be tolerated at any cost. He stated that Excise Department teams are continuously monitoring the situation, and such inspections will continue throughout the district.
Departmental officials warned liquor vendors that strict action will be taken under the Excise Act against license holders who violate the rules. The administration stated that such campaigns will improve the liquor sales system and ensure that liquor is readily available to the public at the prescribed prices.
