Police seized 432 bottles of liquors of different brands from New Brothers Kirana Pasal at Srijanachowk, Season Dairy Pasal at Zero Kilo and Nagajyoti Kirana Pasal at Buddhachowk.[break]
A joint team of Inland Revenue Office, Liquor Seller´s Association, Pokhara Chamber of Commerce Industry and Kaski District Administration Office conducted the raids.
Pokhara IRO informed that this was the first phase of action aimed at control illegal business of liquor in the city.
Police seized 227 bottles of liquors of over 28 brands from New Brothers Kirana Pasal, 128 bottles of 23 brands from Navajyoti Kirana Pasal and 97 bottles of 15 brands from Season dairy Pasal.
IRO officials said the seized liquors were worth about Rs 100,000.
Though Pokhara IRO has been directing traders to take its consent before selling liquors, most of the stores are turning a deaf ear to its call.
“We were forced to take this step as we have come know that many liquor stores are operating without permission,” Anand Kafle, revenue officer at Pokhara IRO, told Republica.
He said the office would continue such action in the future to discourage illegal business of liquor and bring more traders into tax net. Kafle said seized liquors would be returned to the stores if they provide to pay fine and take permission for selling liquors.
According to guideline for liquors sales, those selling liquors without permission can be imposed a fine of Rs 15,000.
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