Licensed wine dealers in Hyderabad have raised objections to the government’s conditions for the draw of lots to finalize the bidding of wine shops at the end of this month. The dealers claim that district officials are pressuring them to buy more applications in order to renew their licenses through the draw of lots for the period of 2023-2025.
According to the district officials, the draw of lots will only be conducted if each wine shop receives a minimum of 20 applications. If a shop receives less than 20 applications, the draw of lots will be delayed until more applications are received. The wine shop dealers union leaders argue that this is nothing but harassment to force liquor traders to spend more money on applications, which cost Rs 2 lakh each.
Officials from the State Excise and Prohibition wing have been meeting with dealers to encourage them to buy more applications. Wine dealers believe that there is no other option but to take legal action against these conditions imposed on the allotment of wine shops.
