Liquor shops across the state are facing unprecedented challenges with targets reportedly set by the Congress government. Reports indicate that some officials are pressuring liquor shop owners to purchase and sell an additional Rs. 20 to 50 lakh worth of stock, although it’s unclear whether this pressure stems from government directives or higher excise officials
With sales targets for the month still unmet, higher officials are reportedly pushing shopkeepers to carry as much stock as possible. In the past three months, the state’s liquor sales have exceeded Rs. 3,000 crores per month, reaching Rs. 3,175 crores in June. However, July’s sales fell short of this figure, leading to increased pressure to meet targets by any means necessary. With warehouses fully stocked and sales targets looming, shopkeepers are receiving calls urging them to take on more inventory.
Wine shop owners are also voicing concerns over the financial strain this is causing. Despite tenders being awarded based on population-based slabs, exceeding the fixed quota means incurring additional costs. For example, a trader with a Rs. 50 lakh tender in a specific area faces no additional tax on liquor purchased from the IML depot up to ten times that amount. However, exceeding this limit results in an additional tax of about 15 percent per one lakh rupees.
This situation has created a significant burden for shop owners, who are being forced to buy stock despite slow sales. Many are struggling to cover their interest payments, with some being compelled to purchase and sell an additional Rs. 20 to 50 lakh worth of liquor per shop.
In an effort to meet government-imposed targets and cover interest payments, it is reported that some shopkeepers are resorting to supplying liquor to belt shops. As a result, alcohol is now readily available in nearly every village, with some grocery shops even selling liquor.
The Congress party, which had previously promised to eliminate belt shops, is now being questioned for its failure to act. While the previous BRS government managed liquor sales in an organized manner, the current government is accused of disregarding these regulations and suffocating liquor traders with unrealistic targets.