Police spy on ‘spirited’ bar owners for illegal selling of liquor

Thiruvananthapuram: The police and excise officials will step up surveillance of many bar owners in the state, who were earlier notorious for smuggling and sale of illicit liquor, once the bars are closed.

The police intelligence wing had alerted the government that many bar owners and their staff members may engage in illicit liquor business again.

With the government deciding to bring down the supply of liquor, the ground will be fertile for the illicit business to thrive, a senior police officer said. In the state capital itself, some of the bars are run by benamis of former spirit smugglers. The police and enforcement agencies have also prepared a list of such persons.

A report submitted by ADGP (Intelligence) A. Hemachandran to the government the other day even said that there was high risk of liquor tragedies, especially since the demand for liquor in the state during Onam season was quite high.

Even earlier, many bar owners were allegedly resorting to sales of spurious IMFL. Over the last few months, the police and excise had busted many illegal distilleries at various parts of the state. Instances of drinking in public places, vehicles and hotel rooms will go up once the bars are closed, according to intelligence reports.