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Key Points

The Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Department conducted a surprise raid on a bar supplying draught beer without proper licensing. During the operation, they discovered significant quantities of liquor stored without required transport permits or excise passes. The department's aggressive enforcement approach aims to crack down on illegal alcohol distribution and protect government revenue. These actions are part of a broader strategy to implement stricter tracking and monitoring of liquor production and sales.

Key Points: Chandigarh Excise Dept Raids Unlicensed Bar Beer Supply

  • Chandigarh Excise raids bar for unauthorized draught beer supply
  • Department discovers liquor stored without proper permits
  • 413 cases of country liquor and 2,090 IMFL cases seized
  • Enforcement drive targets illegal liquor trade
2 min read

Chandigarh's Excise dept raids bar for supplying draught beer without license

Chandigarh Excise Department uncovers illegal beer distribution, seizes liquor and initiates legal action against unauthorized suppliers

"These operations reflect the department's zero-tolerance approach toward excise violations. - Excise Department Official"

Chandigarh, July 31

Acting tough over the non-compliance of the excise provisions by identifying unauthorised bottling plants, the Excise and Taxation Department of Chandigarh, on Thursday, inspected premises of a bar and found it was supplying draught beer without holding the licence, mandatory for such kind of operations.

In addition, the supplier of the beer was found to be supplying stock to the bar without obtaining excise and transport permits.

Both cases reflect blatant non-compliance with the provisions of the Excise Act, and the department has initiated proceedings against both licensees as per law, an official statement said.

These operations reflect the department's zero-tolerance approach toward excise violations.

To strengthen compliance, the department is enforcing implementation of track-and-trace system that enables real-time monitoring of liquor production, transport, and distribution.

Since the introduction of the excise policy for 2025-26, the department has conducted multiple enforcement drives resulting in major seizures of illegal liquor and initiation of legal action against violators.

Intelligence inputs from Punjab and other neighbouring states have played a critical role in helping the department carry out back-tracing exercises to identify unauthorised bottling plants, suppliers, and retail outlets involved in such violations, the department said.

Earlier, acting on a tip-off an excise team conducted a surprise inspection at a godown in Daria, on the outskirts of Chandigarh.

The premises were found to be neither licensed nor approved for the storage of liquor.

Upon checking, 413 cases of country liquor and 2,090 cases of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) of various brands were discovered, all stored without any transport permit or excise pass.

In a similar enforcement action on July 12, nearly 1,500 cases of country liquor and IMFL were found stored at an unapproved location by a retail licensee.

The premises had not been approved by the Excise Department for any such activity.

The premises were sealed on the spot, and an FIR was registered against the license holder for violating the terms of their retail license.

The Excise and Taxation Department reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding government revenue, ensuring lawful trade practices, and fostering a transparent, accountable liquor trade environment across Chandigarh.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But why is alcohol so strictly regulated in the first place? The rules are so complex that even genuine businesses sometimes make mistakes. The system needs simplification.
A
Aman W
This is just tip of the iceberg. Many bars in Chandigarh operate illegally after hours. The excise department should conduct more surprise checks at night too!
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Chandigarh, I'm shocked by how casually alcohol rules are flouted here. Back in my country, such violations would mean immediate license cancellation.
V
Vikram M
The track-and-trace system is a welcome move. But will it be implemented properly? Our systems often fail due to corruption at ground level. Hope this time will be different!
N
Nisha Z
While enforcement is good, the department should also focus on educating businesses about compliance. Many small bar owners aren't fully aware of all excise rules.
K
Karan T
This crackdown will only lead to increased liquor prices. The real solution is to reduce the ridiculously high excise duties that encourage black market operations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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