Adulterated liquor detected at three outlets in Visakhapatnam
The Excise Department has detected alleged liquor adulteration at three outlets in the city during recent inspections, prompting concerns over the sale of diluted and adulterated liquor to consumers.
Officials found cheaper liquor allegedly mixed with premium brands and water allegedly added to bottles of low-priced liquor. Cases have been registered against the three establishments.
The inspections were carried out at Waltair Wines and Veeranjaneya Bar and Restaurant in Kurmannapalem, and at a liquor shop in HB Colony, following complaints of adulteration.
According to officials, traders allegedly open liquor bottles at warehouses using specialised equipment without damaging the labels or seals. Cheaper liquor is then mixed with premium brands, while water is added to low-priced liquor. The bottles are subsequently resealed and sold to customers.
In the cases detected recently, officials reportedly found about 30% cheaper liquor mixed with premium liquor and around 20% water added to bottles of low-priced liquor.
The district has 143 liquor shops and 102 bars and restaurants, all of which procure their stocks from government depots. While traders are allowed a prescribed profit margin, some are allegedly resorting to adulteration to increase their earnings.
The Excise Department is required to conduct regular inspections, with Circle Inspectors expected to check liquor shops and bars in their respective jurisdictions. Samples can be tested using dilution kits and, where necessary, sent to the Regional Excise Laboratory at Madhavadhara.
If adulteration is confirmed, cases can be registered under the Excise Act, and the establishments can be sealed. A penalty of at least ₹5 lakh may also be imposed.
The detection of adulteration at three outlets has, meanwhile, raised questions over the regularity of inspections by Excise officials in the city.