The district administration has decided to take stringent steps against the illegal sale and distribution of liquor in view of the government decision to close down 418 bars that failed to maintain proper standards in the State.
This was decided at a meeting of officials attached to various departments such as police, excise, forests, and revenue to review the existing situation in the district. District Collector C.A. Latha chaired the meeting on Wednesday.
The government refused to renew the annual licences of five out of the total 30 bars in the district from April 1. Four of them functioned in Kozhikode city and the fifth, in Vadakara town.
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At the meeting, excise officials endorsed the closure of these bars. There were 21 retail outlets selling Indian-made foreign liquor in the district. This apart, licence had been given to two clubs, five beer parlours, four canteens, and two wine units. The beer parlours and canteens were under the control of the Armed Forces.
The Collector also issued directions to the officials to submit a weekly report on the liquor sale and distribution in the district. It was also decided to carry out a raid jointly by the police, excise, and forest personnel in forest regions and isolated places.
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Surveillance would be stepped up in those areas that had been earlier known for brewing spurious liquor. Those buying liquor from government outlets and selling it at higher prices at other places would be strictly monitored.
Special squads would be constituted to check the flow of liquor from the Union Territory of Mahe. Patrolling would be intensified at check-posts and pocket roads in the area.