Excise raids against trade malpractices and underage drinking

15 CASES REGISTERED, RS 10,300 COLLECTED IN FINES
GANGTOK, 09 July: The enforcement wing of the Sikkim Excise Department recently conducted a series of raids across the State to curb trade malpractices, underage drinking and employment of minors in liquor businesses. An Excise Department press release informs that the raids resulted in the registration of 15 cases under various provisions of the Sikkim Excise Act, 1992 in the East, West and South districts.
Out of the 15 cases, 13 were of illicit trade and 2 were of underage drinking. A total of Rs 10,300 was collected as fine and confiscation. Further, the department has also appealed to the general public to lodge complaints against illicit trade, underage drinking and employment of minors in liquor businesses, the release mentions.
As per the Sikkim Excise Act, 1992, section 55 [a] as amended vide notification no 12/LD/P/2011 dated 12.11.2011, if any person sells or delivers any liquor or intoxicating drug to any person apparently under the age of eighteen years then a penalty of upto Rs 20,000 will be charged in case of a first offence, if its repeated then license will be suspended or cancelled and third time offenders can expect imprisonment for a term which may extend up to five years.