Dibrugarh crackdown on illegal liquor sale ahead of festive season

Dibrugarh: In an intensified effort to curb unauthorised liquor sales and drink-driving ahead of the festive season, Dibrugarh district authorities conducted surprise raids on multiple roadside restaurants and dhabas in Naharkatia town on Wednesday. The operation resulted in the week-long closure of a local restaurant found violating excise regulations.

Led by executive magistrate Mary V Ralsun, the enforcement team targeted several eateries following public complaints about illegal liquor sales. During the inspection, the team discovered that Gogoi Restaurant, located at Joypur Chariali, was serving liquor to customers without the mandatory Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) "On" restaurant license. As a consequence, the enforcement team sealed the establishment for a period of seven days.

According to the Assam Excise Rules, 2016, restaurants must possess an IMFL "On" license to legally sell liquor on their premises. The annual fee for this license is set at Rs 2,50,000. However, the stringent licensing process has led many restaurants to circumvent the law, serving alcohol covertly to patrons.

"We received multiple complaints about restaurants operating without proper liquor licenses in the area. This enforcement drive is part of our broader initiative to ensure road safety during the festive season," Ralsun said.

The penalties for selling liquor without the required permissions are significant, with fines reaching up to Rs 50,000 and potential imprisonment for up to six months. "Many restaurants attempt to circumvent these regulations by secretly serving liquor to customers. This not only poses serious safety risks but also results in significant revenue loss for the state," an excise inspector, who was part of the enforcement team, said.