DEC to keep check on flow of illicit liquor

To keep a check on flow of illicit liquor ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Delhi Election Commission today directed the excise department to conduct monitoring of retail shops where daily sales figure has seen a sudden increase of 30 per cent or more in comparison to last month.
The commission also instructed the officials to take strict action against such shops including cancellation of licences if found involved in wrong doings.
In a meeting of officials of excise department today, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Dev directed them to identify and conduct close monitoring of sensitive liquor shops located in slum area, away from main road and in interior rural pockets.

"A special focus will also be on shops having more than 30 per cent increase in sale on a day between March 15 (date of notification) to April 10 (polling date) as compared to average daily sale of February, 2013," said Dev.
Shops having liquor stock more than 50 per cent on March 1 as compared to corresponding date last year are also under scanner, he added.
Excise officials have also been asked strict action against the use of tokens or coupons for sale of liquor and ensure proper maintenance of brand wise stock register in all retail shops, especially in respect to cheap brands. Officials have been instructed to zero down on potential storage points for illegal liquor and conduct frequent police-patrolling and raids.

CCTV cameras surveillance has also been put in place while, officials are instructed to maintain video footage for 60 days.