Excise department forms teams to check illegal flow of liquor

New Delhi: In a bid to check illegal flow of liquor during wedding season, the excise department of Delhi government has formed about a dozen teams to crackdown against errant farm houses and banquet halls in the capital.

A senior government official said the department has directed its district units and excise intelligence bureau to keep a strict vigil on banquet halls and farm houses hosting wedding ceremonies and parties.

The official said they have received information that most organisers get a license from the department to serve booze at banquet halls, motels and farm house, but to save money they serve Haryana-made liquor which amounts to an offence.

"The department has formed several teams to check parties, functions, where liquor is being served, at all farm houses, motels and banquet halls. Besides legal cases, government can also seal the entities found involved in such practices," the official further said.

"It is also responsibility of owners of motels, farm houses and banquet halls to check such illegal practice at their premises," official added.

The department officials have been directed to carry out a drive to check the premises of farm houses, banquet halls and motels, where parties and functions are being hosted, across the national capital.

The official also said the sale of non-duty paid liquor is a major offence under Delhi Excise Act and even its possession to a serious offence.