Pathanamthitta: The Excise Commissioner of Kerala has sounded a stern warning to all his subordinates with a new order regarding dry days. It says that in case liquor sales take place in a bar or other institution or public consumption of alcohol is noticed on a dry day, the Excise officer of the locality would face disciplinary action, including suspension.
Moreover, as part of enforcing the dry day rules, inspections by the Excise Special Squad would be intensified. In case these squads report liquor sales at any place, the Excise officer concerned would face the music.
The Excise Commissioner’s order follows a series of complaints received regarding violation of dry day regulations, including opening of bars before the scheduled time and continuing business well after closing time.
Another illegal activity reported was stocking liquor bottles in shops near Beverages Corporation outlets and selling them at exorbitant prices on dry days, when the Corporation outlets remain closed.
In a special drive during Onam, the Excise Department had arrested nearly 1,400 people in various abkari cases. The move came in the wake of the department's recent efforts to curb smuggling of illicit liquor and narcotic substances, especially during the festival season.
Interestingly, Kerala has the highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the country. Tipplers in Kerala guzzled liquor worth a record Rs 487 crore sold through state-run outlets during 'Onam'. However, the amount does not take into account the sales figure of the private outlets.
According to figures from Kerala State Beverages Corporation, which retails Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), sale of liquor through its outlets, netted Rs 487 crore from September 3-10, an increase of Rs 30 crore compared to the previous year.
