No liquor sale in Rajasthan after 8 pm, orders chief minster Ashok Gehlot

“Those caught selling liquor after 8 pm should be penalised; their shops should be sealed and licence should be cancelled,” Rajasthan chief minster Ashok Gehlot ordered the Excise Department officials.

Rajasthan chief minster Ashok Gehlot on Saturday issued a strict order to the officials to stop sale of liquor after 8 pm at all shops in the state.

Alcohol consumption in India has increased by a worrying 55% over the last two decades – between 1992 and 2012. (HT photo) (HT File Photo)

“Those caught selling liquor after 8 pm should be penalised; their shops should be sealed and licence should be cancelled,” he ordered the Excise Department officials.

Addressing a meeting of senior officials at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), he said: “In 2008, our government had initiated similar policy to check sale of liquor in state after 8 pm which gave a positive message to the society.”

It was also revealed in the meeting that many shopkeepers are charging higher amount than the Maximum Selling Price (MSP) quoted on bottles. Gehlot directed to take strict actions against them as well.

He also ordered the officials to stop illegal transportation of liquor in the state.