Licences of 10 liquor vends suspended over violations

Chandigarh, January 20

The UT Excise and Taxation Department sealed 10 liquor vends late on Friday night.

An official said the licence of the liquor vends had been suspended for 15 days for violating terms and conditions of the UT Excise Policy.

The vends are located in Sectors 17, 8 and 9 on Madhya Marg, two in Sector 28 and one each in Sectors 19-C, 20-D and 33, the Industrial Area, Phase II, and Palsora village.

Since the implementation of the Excise Policy 2023-24 on April 1, 18 of the total 95 liquor vends had remained unsold even as the Administration conducted 18 auctions.

With the new excise policy likely to be announced soon, the International Spirits and Wines Association (ISWAI) has sent fresh representations to the Excise Department in support of demands of the alcohol and beverage industry that contribute significantly to the UT’s revenue.

“The Alco-Bev industry in Chandigarh is grappling with the harsh impact of inflation and narrowed profit margins. Our repeated representations over the past four years reflect the severity of the challenges faced by our members. As we await the announcement of the new liquor policy, we appeal to the Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Department for immediate intervention to address the existential crisis looming over our industry,” said Nita Kapoor, CEO, ISWAI. — TNS

Location of vends

The vends whose licences have been suspended are located in Sectors 17, 8 and 9 on Madhya Marg, two in Sector 28 and one each in Sectors 19-C, 20-D and 33, the Industrial Area, Phase II, and Palsora village.