Parvesh Sharma
Barnala, April 15
In violation of norms, not a single wholesaler or retailer of liquor has procured mandatory licence/registration from the Health Department in Barnala. The Excise and Health departments appear to be at loggerheads as repeated letters of Civil Surgeon (CS) have fallen on deaf ears.
Excise Authorities turn a blind eye
I have written to the Excise Department repeatedly, but they are not taking any action. Sellers are not allowing health teams to take samples of liquor. — Dr Jasvir Singh Aulakh, civil surgeon
This is not only causing financial losses to the state government, but also posing a threat to the lives of area residents, who are consuming liquor without any certification of the Health Department.
“Besides approval from the excise authorities, liquor contractors must take licence from Health Department also as it is mandatory under the Food Safety & Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, made under Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. However, not a single liquor seller is registered with the Health Department. I have written to the excise authorities repeatedly, but they are not taking any action. Sellers are not allowing our teams to take samples of liquor products,” said Civil Surgeon, Barnala, Dr Jasvir Singh Aulakh, while showing his letters written to excise and other senior authorities.
He said if the sale of wholesaler/ retailer of liquor is more than Rs 12 lakh per year, they must get a licence from his department, but if the sale is less than Rs 12 lakh, then they will have to get only registration from the Health Department.
“Apart from the financial loss to the state government, this violation is a serious threat to the health of area residents, who are consuming various liquor products without checking by the Health Department. If any liquor causes a tragedy, then who will be responsible?” he questioned.
Some area residents said the state government should look into the matter expeditiously.
“The state government should ensure that all liquor sellers have a licence from the Health Department,” said Ranvir Singh, a youth from Barnala.
When contacted, Chander Mehta, Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner of Barnala, said he was unaware of the matter. “I will look into the issue and take action to ensure registration of liquor sellers with the Health Department,” he said.
