Employees of Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) who charge extra on liquor will have to pay a heavy fine hereafter.
The decision from the excise department comes in the backdrop of continued malpractices despite repeated warnings.
As per the latest order, one who overcharges for liquor will have to pay a fine that is 1000 times the additional amount extracted from a consumer.
Those who hoard liquor brands will be fined 100 times the difference between the maximum retail price of the brand and the one sold in its place.
For the offence of not displaying the price of cheap brands, or displaying wrong prices, the official in charge of the shop will be slapped with a fine of Rs 5,000.
Those who drink while on duty will be charged Rs 30,000 and face other disciplinary actions.
The penalty for those who steal or embezzle funds will be a fine 1000 times the stolen amount. They will also be booked under criminal charges.
If discrepancies are found in the collection amounts during inspections, those responsible will have to pay 100 times the amount seen as excess or lacking.
Officials who fail to report the statement of liability, closing accounts, and dead stock on time will have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 per month.
