Gujarat: 10 lakh litre IMFL, 1.60 cr litre beer sold in last two years

The Gujarat government's claim of strict implementation on liquor ban and attempts to curtail liquor consumption is challenged by booze lovers in the state.

The details revealed in Gujarat assembly on Tuesday showed that 10 lakh litre of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and 1.60 crore litre of beer was sold from licensed liquor shops across the state.

The opposition MLAs had sought details of liquor sale and shop permits from chief minister Vijay Rupani. Rupani, who also holds the home portfolio, gave surprising details and numbers.

Although questions on liquor sale were not discussed in the house, the reply from the chief minister filed in the questionnaire was tabled and then put on assembly record.

As per the reply, IMFL and beer were sold from licensed liquor shops. The details were sought for Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Junagadh districts. The opposition MLAs enquired about the number of liquor shops operating, newly opened shops and sale of liquor in two years since December 31, 2018.

The chief minister also replied that there were a total of 41 liquor shops in these districts and two new permits were given in Ahmedabad city in the said period. He gave details of the revenue incurred from the taxes levied on liquor and beer sale.