Shimla, May 9
In a bid to curb over charging being done in liquor trade, the State Tax and Excise Commissioner, Dr. Yunus, announced about stringent measures to regulate the sale of liquor in Himachal Pradesh. Under the regulations, liquor traders are permitted to sell liquor only at dividends ranging from 10 to 30 percent on the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). Any deviation from these prescribed rates will result in severe consequences for the offenders.
Dr. Yunus emphasized that the department has initiated proactive steps to combat the illegal liquor trade, with a particular focus on monitoring and preventing the sale of liquor at prices exceeding the designated dividends. Violators will face legal action under the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act of 2011 and its associated regulations.
To reinforce compliance, the department has already taken action against numerous errant businessmen, issuing challans to 70 individuals so far. Additionally, directives have been issued mandating the display of information regarding MSP and dividends at all liquor outlets across the state.
Under the revised excise policy, specific dividend rates have been stipulated for various categories of liquor. For instance, a ten percent dividend applies to single malt, whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, bio beer/wine, and cider, while Indian beer brands are subject to a 30 percent dividend. Country liquor carries a 30 percent dividend, while low and high brand English liquors face 15 percent and 30 percent dividends, respectively.
The department has established dedicated telephone hotlines for reporting instances of liquor being sold at dividends exceeding the permissible range. Citizens can lodge complaints by contacting the respective zone helplines provided: 01894230186 for Kangra zone, 01905223499 for Mandi zone, and 01772620775 for Shimla zone.
Furthermore, a round-the-clock control room has been set up, urging citizens to promptly report any instances of illicit liquor trade. They can reach out through the toll-free number 18001808062, telephone number 0177-2620426, WhatsApp number 94183-31426, and email address controlroomhq@gmail.com.
In the related development, daily news articles have highlighted the issue of liquor vendors charging exorbitant prices, indicating a broader concern regarding transparency and fairness in liquor sales.
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