Haryana to continue draw-of-lots for liquor vends

Chandigarh, Jan 25 (UNI) The Haryana Excise and Taxation Minister Birender Singh today made it clear that monopoly of liquor vends will not be allowed and the present system of allotment of retail liquor outlets through draw-of-lots will continue by bringing more transparency and rationalisation in it and the licenses will be made renewable.

Presiding over a meeting of Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioners (DETC), Sales Tax and Excise officials here, he directed that all 'Ahatas' (taverns) should be hy gienic and should have all the basic amenities. He also made it clear in the meeting that no retail sale of liquor (without license) will be allowed in the state at any cost.

Reviewing at length the working of the DETCs he also directed that all-out efforts should be made to achieve the targets fixed for the year 2007-2008. He also urged all the DETCs to make sincere and strenuous efforts to liquidate the arrears at the earliest possible.

The Minister also held a separate meeting with excise licensees such as distillers, brewerers, wholesale licensees of IMFL, wholesale licensees of country liquor and bar licensees. He sought their views and suggestions so that these views could be incorporated in the next fiscal year's Excise Policy.

Mr Birender Singh assured in the meeting that the suggestions and views will be given due consideration while framing the Excise Policy for the year 2008-2009 so that state can get more revenue for its rapid development.

The licencees expressed their gratitude towards the Minister for inviting them in the meeting for seeking their views.

UNI HS AK ND1935