Visakhapatnam: With liquor outlets being ordered to remain shut for two days from Tuesday evening due to the elections, long queues were witnessed at all wine shops in Vizag city.
The Excise department sealed all 402 liquor shops and 131 bars in the district to ensure a smooth election on April 11.
“The liquor ban will be strictly implemented in the district. Each bar and shop was sealed systematically. Our officials along with intelligence teams are continuously monitoring the shops and carrying out surprise checks,” said T. Srinivasa Rao, deputy commissioner of excise department.
He said that cases will be filed on the shops if found to be selling liquor during these two days. “Their licences will be suspended and penalties may also be levied. So far, the department has booked 18 cases and suspended as many licences in the district,” Mr Rao said.
