The warning slogan on labels over liquor and beer bottles will not just include “drinking alcohol is harmful” but also read shortly “don’t drink and drive”.
As part of the campaign against drunken driving, the excise department has asked the manufacturers of IMFL and beer to add the second slogan on the labels within a month. Also, the maximum retail price should be printed in bold figures in contrasting colours. The licence number issued to the companies by Food Security Standards Authority should be displayed. Excise Commissioner R.V. Chandravadan said the font size of the MRP was already prescribed to the manufacturers but some companies deliberately brought it down in connivance with retail traders. The companies also resorted to camouflaging and manipulating the rates, aided by digital printing. But, it was once again reminded to the companies that they should adhere to bold and clear printing of rates. He added that the excise department was working with liquor companies and police to prevent drunken driving. Film personalities and opinion makers will be involved in the campaign against alcohol consumption and drunken driving shortly. Meanwhile, the excise authorities on Friday sealed a wine shop and two belt shops at Khanapur and nearby Terlapad and Pembi villages in Adilabad district for mixing water in liquor. About 560 IMFL and 161 beer bottles were seized. Mr. Chandravadan said the dilution of liquor and breakage of bottles was a matter of concern.
