By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 23 Jun: The local administration has taken a tough stand after receiving continuous complaints about liquor shopkeepers selling liquor at a price higher than the prescribed rates. On receiving complaints about the arbitrary behaviour by liquor shops with local citizens and tourists, surprise raids were conducted on liquor shops in various areas of Mussoorie on Monday under the leadership of Naib Tehsildar Kamal Rathore on the instructions of SDM, Mussoorie, Kumkum Joshi.
The administrative team inspected the shops of various liquor sellers in Mussoorie. It was confirmed that liquor was being sold at a rate higher than the prescribed maximum selling price at the liquor shop at Mussoorie Picture Palace Chowk. Buyers were questioned on the spot, bills were checked, and the actual recovery was compared with the price list. During the raid, it was found that the shopkeeper was charging more than the fixed rate from the customers.
Naib Tehsildar Kamal Rathore said that Mussoorie is a major tourist destination and such irregularities here are not only a violation of the law but also have a bad effect on the image of tourists. He said that liquor shopkeepers have already been instructed to follow the prescribed rates, but despite this, if any shopkeeper sells at higher rate, strict action will be taken which includes even licence cancellation.
The Naib Tehsildar has appealed to the general public and tourists that, if information is received about the sale of liquor or other essential commodities at higher rates anywhere, they should immediately inform the department concerned. Complaints will be kept confidential and prompt action will be taken.
SDM Kumkum Joshi said that such raids will continue in future as well and no shopkeeper will be allowed to violate the rights of consumers. The aim of the administration is to ensure that every type of sale in Mussoorie is done with transparency and within the ambit of law.
