Existing liquor shops will be given priority by the State Government while considering a shop to be taken on rent in that area to be run through Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation limited (JSBCl).
In a bid to check revenue loss due to illegal trade of liquor in Jharkhand, the State Government has decided to sell foreign liquor through JSBCl from August 1 this year.
“Definitely, to save liquor shop owners from becoming hand to mouth, we will give preference to existing liquor shops already established in an area on the basis of their availability provided they fulfill our criteria,” said Excise Commissioner Vinod Shankar Singh. The only hurdle will be uneven rent structure for different shops which is to be sorted out soon by the consultant NCDEX e-Marketing limited (NEMl), which has been appointed in this regard, he added.
“A survey report had been sought from all districts which has been submitted on the basis of which further plan of action will be taken following a meeting with NEMl to be held on March 21,” said the Commissioner. A liquor shop will be considered only in that area where it had been profitable during the last 2-3 years, he added.
“We are analysing the situation on the basis of area and consumption in any particular area following which a decision will be taken on that,” said Singh.
Earlier, there were a total of 1554 liquor shops all over the state which will come down to 752 as around half of them have to be closed down following the Supreme Court directions that it should be located at least 500 meters away from the State and National Highways.
“We are also working out to identify places which are located more than 500 meter distance from the National or State Highways to replace with those shops currently located on Highway and State Highway shops,” said Assistant Excise Commissioner Rakesh Kumar.
NEMl has been providing consultancy to the Excise department for opening liquor shops in selection of location for shops and other related works. The department has written to the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to identify space for liquor shops all equipped with CCTV cameras and computers.
According to the proposal given by the Excise department, appointment of staff will be done on contract basis through outsourcing as three persons will be deputed at each of the shop.
A special software is also being prepared by NIC so that a close vigil could be kept on each of them which will also enable the officials to know about the exact status of sale and stock through a click on their system.
Meanwhile, an extension will be given to the existing licensees so that the government could get ample time to get them prepared for the new endeavour.