Tipplers go dry without beer

Visakhapatnam: With general elections fast approaching, the government has reduced 20 per cent of liquor indents of wine shops and bars on the corresponding period of last year's (CPLY) indents.

Despite the wine shops and bar dealers demanding the depots, the excise officials decided to implement the orders strictly. In order to minimise the liquor flow in the elections, the government has initiated steps to restrict the liquor indents.

Meanwhile, due to heavy demand for some of the liquor brands and branded beer, there is an acute shortage of 'spirits' prevailing. As there is shortage of production, the excise department is not supplying the reduced indents of beer.

With heavy demand to some popular brands of brandy, the wine shops are offering alternative brands to customers. Normally, during the hot weather, there is a big demand for beer particularly in April and May.

As the mercury levels suddenly shoot up in February and March, many prefer to consume beer and thus there is an increased demand for the product much ahead of the season.

The excise officials are confirming, that according to the Commissioner of Excise, all the depots across the State, the indents from the wine shops and bars cutting to 20 per cent on the demand registered with the department in the CPLY.

On the other hand, the wine shops and bars without any government orders suddenly increased the price of the liquor bottles from Rs 5 to Rs 10 on each bottle of 180 ml and Rs 40 on the full bottle.

"Yes, it is true that the department is not going to supply liquor against the demand raised by the wine shops. In order to minimise the liquor flow in the elections, the Commissioner of Excise directed to cut down the indents for 20 per cent as against the demand registered in the CPLY.

However, some popular companies, unable to supply the liquor and beer to meet the demand due to huge shortage of stocks prevails. After the polling only, the department will supply the liquor normally according to the shops' indents," said Deputy Commissioner of Excise T Srinivasa Rao.