‘Laws to check open drinking weak, need stringent fines’

Following HT’s series on drinking in public spaces, which highlighted the problem of open drinking outside liquor vends in Gurugram, the role of eateries in facilitating the offence and ‘ahataas’ making a quick buck, HT interviewed the deputy excise and taxation commissioner (east) to probe the role of excise department in tackling the problem.

Sneh Lata Yadav, the deputy excise and taxation commissioner (east), has been working in Gurugram for the last one-and-a-half years.

Are you aware of the extent of the problem of open drinking at liquor vends in Gurugram? According to the police, at least eight people are arrested every day for violations of the Excise Act. What is the excise department doing to tackle this problem?

Yes, we are aware (of the problem) and have formed teams to conduct regular raids in the areas from where cases of open drinking have been reported. We also coordinate with the Gurugram police to conduct raids. Ideally, the police should procure a no-objection certificate from us before producing the offenders in court.

Do you think the penalty for violations under the Excise Act should be increased to deter potential offenders and reduce cases of open drinking?

The penalty currently ranges from a fine of Rs 50 to Rs 500, depending on the judge’s discretion. Increasing the penalty will go a long way in curbing open drinking. There have been many incidents of repeat offenders. People know it is a weak law and they can get away with it by paying a small amount.

We found open drinking in 11 of the 12 vends we visited in Gurugram. Is there any action being taken against these vends? Why is there no inspection from the department? Whose duty is it?

We have formed six teams each in the two zones – east and west. If anyone is found drinking in front of liquor vends, we will fine the vend owners for the breach of excise rules. The shops will be penalised, based on the gravity of the violation, by the excise commissioner, Panchkula. It is a law and order issue, and there needs to be regular patrolling and monitoring of the spots from where maximum complaints have been received.

Where does the major problem lie — in the execution of the laws or in the policies of the department?

The law is weak. In most of the cases, those arrested are repeat offenders. The ahataas were introduced to curb the menace of open drinking, but people don’t want to burn a hole in their pockets, which is why they drink in the open. The department had introduced ‘anumat kaksh’ in order to prevent rowdy and drunken behaviour in public, but people are still found drinking in open.

Residents have been complaining that despite their written complaints, no action is taken by the department and that people are drinking on vacant plots near liquor vends.

We have taken note of the complaints. Residents have been complaining on and off, but not making a precise complaint at the right moment that can help us catch the violators.

Are these ahataas legitimate?

Yes, they are legal. They came up in the city in early 2005 and were meant to ensure that there is no drinking in open and in cars. This experiment has been successful to a large extent, but there is a need to be more vigilant to enforce law and order strictly. Also, people who visit these places need to follow rules and ensure that they drink sensibly.

Gurugram is notorious for being the drinking capital of the country? Why do you think the city has such an image?

I don’t agree. Yes, the best bars and pubs are located here, but that doesn’t mean it gives the city a bad reputation. There needs to be a balanced approach as there is a huge demand from people and this business also generates a large revenue for the state.

Residents have complained of different prices for the same liquor in different vends. Why is that the case?

As per the excise policy, the vends are required to sell at the minimum sale price. We can only keep a check and if there is a specific complaint, it should be made to the department so that action can be initiated.

First Published: Aug 21, 2018 13:37 IST