Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Department sealed 22 liquor shops on Wednesday evening after contractors failed to clear outstanding licence fees amounting to nearly Rs 6 crore. Officials said repeated notices had been issued, but the contractors did not deposit the dues, prompting strict action.
On Wednesday morning, 10 contractors cleared their pending payments, following which their shops were reopened. However, 12 liquor vends remain sealed, and the department has warned that the locks will not be removed until the full dues are deposited.
Officials stressed that paying the licence fee is the primary responsibility of contractors, adding that similar action will continue against those who fail to clear dues on time.
The sealed shops were located in Village Maloya, Kajheri, Sector 18, Sector 46, Sector 34 (two contracts), Sector 22D, Sector 22A, Sector 37, Railway Colony Manimajra and Kalka Road Manimajra.
