Liquor shops in Haldwani and other parts of Nainital district face allegations of charging customers more than the printed price on bottles. The reported excess ranges from 10 to 50 rupees, with complaints also emerging from the district’s mountainous areas.
Complainants allege that some shop staff place separate rate stickers on bottles and collect amounts above the printed price. The allegations cover both urban and rural areas. The district has more than 70 shops selling English and country liquor, according to the report.
Complaints and alleged pressure
People who approached the Chief Minister’s complaint portal, also known as the CM Helpline, have alleged that some liquor businesses contacted them and pressured them to withdraw their complaints. They further claimed that threatening calls were made in some cases.
These claims are allegations by complainants and have not been established by a court in the available information. The complaints have nevertheless increased public anger over the alleged lack of effective action against overcharging.
Mountain areas also report overcharging
Residents of remote and mountainous parts of the district have alleged that the extra charge varies according to the bottle’s price. Their complaints suggest that lower-priced bottles are being sold for at least 30 rupees above the printed rate, while the excess on more expensive bottles can exceed ₹50.
The reported complaints raise concerns for consumers who may have limited access to alternative shops in distant areas. a verified total number of affected customers or shops is not yet available.
Questions over shop locations
A separate complaint concerns the distance between liquor shops near Hydel Gate. The report alleges that 2 shops are operating only 50 metres apart, while 4 shops are functioning within a 1-kilometre area.
The district excise officer, Meenakshi Tamta, said the shops had been opened according to the applicable rules. She also said the department was taking continuous action against overcharging and had formed a team for the purpose.
The officer’s statement provides the department’s position, while the allegations about pricing and pressure on complainants remain subject to verification. No further enforcement result or penalty is identified in the available material.
Conclusion
The central issue is whether liquor shops in Haldwani and Nainital district are charging above printed prices and pressuring complainants. The excise department says a team has been formed to act against overcharging, while shop locations are being defended as rule-compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What overcharging has been alleged at liquor shops?
Complainants allege that shops are collecting 10 to 50 rupees above the printed bottle price. In mountainous areas, the alleged excess is at least 30 rupees for lower-priced bottles and can exceed ₹50 for expensive bottles.
Q. Where have the complaints been reported?
The complaints concern Haldwani, rural parts of Nainital district and its mountainous and remote areas.
Q. What do complainants allege about the CM Helpline complaints?
Some complainants allege that liquor businesses contacted them, issued threats and pressured them to withdraw their complaints.
Q. How many liquor shops are in the district?
The available report says Nainital district has more than 70 English and country liquor shops.
Q. What has the district excise officer said?
District Excise Officer Meenakshi Tamta said a team had been formed to prevent overcharging. She also said the shops questioned over their distance from one another were opened according to the rules.
