Liquor permit sales in state up by 20%

Sales of liquor permits in the state have gone up by 20% in past few months, said excise officials.

Sales of liquor permits in the state have gone up by 20% in past few months, said excise officials.

“I think this is because of increased awareness among people after the spate of drink driving accidents. People are now conscious and buy permits before drinking alcohol,” said Mohan Varde, superintendent of state excise department.

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Officials say that the drink driving accident at Juhu in March, which killed two teenaged girls, have led to the increased awareness. People can apply for a liquor permit at the city collector’s office, excise offices and other government offices.

According to the Bombay Prohibition Act, any person drinking alcohol without a valid permit can be imprisoned for up to six months and/or fined Rs 10,000.

“After the Juhu accident, there was a buzz all over the media that action would be taken against the Bandra club where the teenagers drank alcohol. The excise department had ordered an inquiry into the matter. I think it is because of these measures that people and club owners have become more careful,” added Varde.

The Act allows even the alcohol-seller to be booked for selling alcohol to people without permits. The accused can be imprisoned or fined.