Caught violating liquor licence

Kapila SOMARATNE

The Special Vice Squad of the Excise Department Headquarters raided 17 licensed foreign liquor bars, four tavern keepers and restaurant owners in Wadduwa town and Morontuduwa area and some were caught violating the conditions of the licence issued by the Excise Department by selling liquor over the stipulated prices and using underweight measures when selling liquor.

The Commissioner General of Excise will take action against the four licensed liquor shop dealers and restaurant owners.

The raids were conducted on a tip-off. Panadura Urban Councillor Mahesh Fernando addressing the recent monthly meeting of the Panadura Urban Council said that there are 18 restaurants and hotels operating in Panadura which sell illicit liquor and carry out prostitution, and urged officials to take action.