ADILABAD: There are 202 wine shops in Adilabad district earning a revenue of Rs 20 crore per month for the State. Another Rs 4 crore are earned by them through sale of liquor at excess prices. For instance, a particular brand of beer is being sold for Rs 110 against the MRP of Rs 80.However, the liquor lobby claims that despite selling liquor at 30 percent more, they earn only 20 percent profit on each sale. "Most of our earnings go towards license fee and bribes. Most of the time, the bribes and other expenses like free bottles to officials and politicians cost us as much as the liquor license fee," said a liquor dealer on condition of anonymity.Interestingly, an excise officer of subinspector cadre in the district acts as a middleman between liquor syndicates and other officials and politicians for distribution of prescribed bribe amounts.He collects nearly Rs 30 lakh from liquor shop owners every month and distributes them among the officers in the excise hierarchy and also people's representatives to ensure smooth running of business for liquor outlets.In addition, the syndicate pays Rs 1,000 each for every belt shop to the local police station and also the local excise officer for allowing their illegal sale.Obviously, there is no response from officers despite several complaints against wine shops selling liquor for more than MRP.
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