Bikaner : Bikaner The game of illegal extortion is going on in full swing at liquor shops. The contractors have decided the price of liquor as per their own wish. As soon as the evening falls, the arbitrariness of the liquor vendors starts. As the time exceeds the stipulated time. As the clock ticks, the prices of wine and beer also increase. The special thing is that this amount is collected through threats. Be it urban or rural areas, one and a half to two times the amount is being collected from customers at shops.
According to the excise policy, it is necessary to put a list showing the price of liquor in bold letters at every shop, but this list was not seen at even a single shop. Excise Department officials also have information about charging more than the prescribed price at liquor shops. Sometimes action is also taken for food supply. However, this proves to be just a mere ritual. According to a rough estimate, the figure of illegal recovery from liquor shops in a day is between Rs 7 to 10 lakh. According to the information, 226 English country liquor shops are operating in the district. Under the Excise Act and Rules, it is necessary to paste a list outside every liquor shop to give information about which brand is available in that shop and what is its price. No such rules are being followed at the 226 English-country liquor shops operating in the district.
Rules are ignored, traffic jams spill over on contract basis
Here, in order to increase customers, contract operators and salespeople are ignoring the rules. According to the rules, small fridges can be kept at liquor vends, but liquor cannot be served while sitting here. But on the contrary, liquor vends are operating here. Big freezers have also been kept on these and alcoholics are being made to sit here and drink liquor. Around many shops in the city, drunkards can be seen sitting in the open and drinking alcohol. Many times the police closes down the liquor vends, but shortly after the police vehicle leaves, the work of selling liquor secretly from the vends starts again.
Liquor sale on contracts in villages even till late night
The prices of liquor and beer are being charged arbitrarily at the vendors operating on the highways, in the cities and in remote villages. It’s as if there are no rules and regulations here. Others, including truck drivers, are charged double the price on the highway. The situation is that after eight o’clock in the night the price of beer and liquor increases by Rs 30 to 50. Even in villages, Rs 30 to 40 more are charged per liquor bottle. The rate list is not pasted on any of the contracts on highways and villages.
