Poll code leaves nothing to cheer!
Liquor outlets running short of stock due to stringent Excise monitoring *Coastal belt most affected
VIBHA VERMA
[email protected]
PANJIM: Goa, the destination known for booze is heading towards a liquor famine, thanks to the fear of election code of conduct.
The wholesalers and even retailers in the State have complained that fears of being caught on wrong side of the law has drastically reduced supply of liquor for various outlets, which are now running short of stock.
State’s hospitality sector is facing a major setback of this shortage as bars fear to run dry after some days as the tourist season is still on.
Many fear that dry days — suspension of sale and supply of liquor — will be witnessed even before its announcement.
The coastal belt which has maximum sale of liquor compared to other parts is the most affected.
A liquor trader having a chain of shops in the Candolim-Calangute-Baga stretch complained that supplies have been draining since the election code was imposed on December 24, 2011.
“I am left with limited stock of liquor bottles. Whatever I had in the stock has been sold… All the supplies are going slow”, said the retailer, who refused to be quoted.
The distributors, he said, have not supplied the stock of branded liquor for more than a fortnight despite placing an order in advance.
Another retailer echoed similar grievance that stringent monitoring on volume of alcohol production, distribution and retail sales has affected gravely.
“Almost all branded liquors are out of stock. In a State like Goa where there is massive usage of liquor among locals and tourists”, he said adding that retailers stock liquors in bulk only as per requirement.
A city-based retailer admitted that majority refrain from stocking bulk is because of fresh excise rule which asks for daily stocks opening and closing from the manufacturers, distributors and retailers as a part of enforcement action plan.
“There are many who do not maintain bills for their purchases which is why they are facing a problem. The Excise Department’s drive is not harassment though it has disturbed our business”, he stated.
“Maintaining daily stock is a headache… so also Excise Department has reduced the number of permit books”, he added.
Honey Bee Brand – preferred among English tourists, Beer among Indian tourists an Old Monk Rum which is a favourite among Russians are few of the brands out of stock.
The Excise Department has, however, rubbished that alcohol scarcity is because of routine checks.
Commissioner P S Reddy told Herald the Department is not bothered of the volume of alcohol sale but the crackdown is on those who are not abiding by excise rules.
“There is no question of controlling alcohol sales in the present or in the foreseeable future. Our concern is that the liquor traders maintain their daily account, bills and transit permit”, he said.
The commissioner said since many don’t follow the license conditions, the flying squads are on inspection and raiding spree. “Thorough checks will continue even after elections”, he warned.
