Chandigarh: Booze manufacturers get permits online

CHANDIGARH: The excise and taxation department of the UT administration has started issuing online permits to manufacturers of whisky, beer and wine from July 1 to avoid physical contact during the coronavirus pandemic.
As many as 100 companies from the different states registered with the department are supplying whisky, wine and beer in the city, according to records with the department. As the offices of the manufacturers were in the city, they used to physically visit the department for a permit.
“We have generated a link on the official website of the department. After opening the link, a manufacturer will have to first register and then will get a password. After filling all the required details, a permit will be issued. Since there is a cap on the availability of liquor in the city, the permit will be issued accordingly,” sources said.
“The payment will be deposited online. Since companies and wholesalers are registered with us, we have all the record to keep a check. In this manner, we are trying to stop the man-to-man contact and facilitate people in a more systematic manner,” an official said.
E-token for buying whisky
In June, the excise and taxation department had begun e-token facility to purchase liquor from shops to avoid overcrowding during the coronavirus pandemic. The department had developed a mobile application, through which customers got e-tickets or slips with specific timings to buy liquor from shops.