The UP government warned liquor vendors of stringent action, including cancellation of licences, in case if over charging customers.
The government announced that a fine between Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh could be imposed on violators and even their licences could be cancelled for the malpractise.
Excise Minister Ram Naresh Agnihotri said that Excise department brass has been instructed to ensure that liquor vendors did not charge more than MRP printed on the bottle.
Principal Secretary, Excise, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy said that vendors could not charge more than MRP under any circumstances and strict instructions have been issued. He said that customers should pay up only after checking the MRP printed on bottles and never pay more than the printed price.
“ If a seller is caught charging more than the MRP, he will be fined Rs 75000 for the first time, for a second offence, he will be fined with Rs. 1.5 Lakh and if he is found guilty for overrating a third time, his license would be cancelled,” Bhoosreddy said in Lucknow on Friday.
Excise Commissioner, P. Guruprasad ordered to all officials including Joint Excise Commissioner, Deputy Excise Commissioner, District Excise Officer and others to ensure the compliance of governments order. He said that a enforcement drive was being conducted against illicit liquor from March 25 last.
”During the drive, 175 cases were registered in the state on May 7, 3,291 litre illegal liquor was seized and 11 persons were sent to jail. In order to eliminate illegal liquor business, Excise officers have been instructed to carry out continuous operations and take effective action on illegal manufacture, sale, transport and smuggling of liquor,” Guruprasad said.