A major action and sealing excercise was carried out by the Excise and Taxation Department, U.T Chandigarh where 5 Bottling plants were sealed on account of operating without availing valid Fire Safety Certificate issued by Municipal Corporation.
It is pertinent to mention here that a fire outbreak took place on 27.10.2022 at M/s Batra distilleries Pvt. Ltd. leading to closure of the plant and causing danger to life and property. The Department viewing the matter with utmost promptness issued notices to submit Fire Safety Certificate which is issued by Municipal Corporation U.T. Chandigarh. On account of non-complying and non-submission of Fire Safety Certificate the department taking unprecedented action of one of its kind, sealed and imposed penalties of Rs. 10 Lakh each on 5 bottling plants namely :- M/s Highfield Distillers and bottlers Pvt. Ltd., M/s Oasis Distilleries Ltd, M/s All Aces Distilleries & Bottlers Pvt. Ltd, M/s Zannat Beverages Pvt. Ltd, Queen Distilleries & Bottlers Pvt. Ltd.
Receiving information regarding violation such as under-pricing, the department inspected and sealed the two vends at Sector 9 and Sector 45 on evening of 22 January 2023 based on the complaints of sale of liquor at prices below the Minimum Retail Sale Price as prescribed by the Excise & Taxation Department, U.T. Chandigarh. The Excise Department clarifies that there is zero Tolerance Policy against any violation of norms laid down in the Excise policy and Excise Act.
In another case, the Excise & Taxation Department and Chandigarh Police detained a vechile on 23 January 2023 carrying approximately 250 cases of liquor bearing labels and holograms FOR SALE IN PUNJAB ONLY hidden under the boxes containing medicines. The documents (Bills & Biltis) accompanying the goods were also of medicines only.
