'We haven't got any complaints'

The police are doing all they can to control errant liquor vends, says Anurag Rastogi, state commissioner, Haryana excise and taxation department. HT reports.

The police are doing all they can to control errant liquor vends, says Anurag Rastogi, state commissioner, Haryana excise and taxation department. Excerpts:

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Are you aware that liquor vends and pubs in Gurgaon sell liquor to minors?
We found only one incident of a bar at a mall serving liquor to school students in December. We took action against the pub-owner and slapped a fine as well. We haven't got any complaint after this.

What's the age bar mentioned in the Excise Act for selling liquor?
Liquor vends can't sell liquor to anyone below 25 years.

What's the penalty if they sell selling liquor to minors or open beyond permitted hours?
Apart from imposing a heavy fine, we can cancel their licence.

Several liquor vends at posh areas offer doorstep delivery, which is banned by the Haryana Excise Act…
It's true the Act doesn't allow doorstep service. But we have not got any complaint.

Excise department officers allege they don't get support from the police...
Our teams often mount surprise checks. I won't criticise the police department that is already hard pressed.