The Prohibition and Excise Department will operate seven more liquor outlets in Krishna district. Presently, the department is running two shops at the IML depots at Vijayawada and Gudivada.
Officials conducted auction for 342 shops under the new excise policy in June this year. However, there were no takers for 27 shops. Though auctions were held twice in July, none had come forward.
In this backdrop, the government has decided to operate seven shops and the decision on the remaining is pending. The ecise officials are identifying places to locate the new shops in the district.
Speaking to The Hindu , Prohibition and Excise Deputy Commissioner B. Mohanlal said the seven liquor shops would be opened one each at Gudivada, Patamata (in Vijayawada), Jaggaiahpet, Kaikalur, and Bantumilli. Two shops would be opened at Gannavaram.
Cases booked
The excise police booked four cases in Vissannapet, Nandigama, and Vijayawada for selling liquor at a price more than the MRP after new licences were issued (since July). The shops against which cases had been booked remained closed for 15 days. A penalty of Rs.1 lakh was also imposed on the licence-holders.
A special squad led by the Deputy Commissioner was conducting surprise check on sale of liquor, said Mr. Mohanlal.
Excise Superintendent K. Srilatha said four cases of loose sale were registered. Three cases were booked in Vijayawada and one at Mylavaram.
With regard to check on ID liquor, Ms. Srilatha said raids were being conducted in villages to prevent brewing and sale of arrack. Vigil was being maintained on notorious bootleggers in the district, said the Excise Superintendent.
