In a bid to crack down on the illicit trade of smuggled liquor, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has issued a directive instructing police authorities to act against the sale and distribution of illegally imported alcohol. IRD has stated that both domestic and foreign liquors must be sold only with affixed excise stickers and exclusively by authorized vendors.
The IRD’s decision to intervene comes after its market monitoring efforts revealed the presence of illegally imported alcohol being sold and distributed across the country. The department has issued a public notice cautioning various traders, hotels, casinos, party palaces, banquets, and restaurants, which have been identified as storing, purchasing, and selling foreign liquor from various brands.
Citing the Excise Duty Act and Rules of 2002, the IRD directive explicitly states that licensed vendors should exclusively deal with locally produced and imported liquor that bears the requisite excise stamps. Furthermore, any imported liquor must be affixed with the excise stamp at the designated location specified by the IRD before it can be sold and distributed.
The IRD has urged individuals and businesses not to engage in the import, purchase, or sale of liquor that violates existing laws and regulations. Any instances of non-compliance identified during monitoring activities will be met with appropriate legal action in accordance with the prevailing legislation.
