Kolkata, May 10 () Off-shop liquor licensees inWest Bengal on Sunday said most outlets that were allowed toreopen during the lockdown have downed their shutters afterrunning out of stock.
The West Bengal government took the decision to reopenthe shops in red, green and orange zones, barring thecontainment areas, but there was inadequate backend supportfor logistics, they alleged.
A former office bearer of the West Bengal ForeignLiquor Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Bonders Association told that the shops generally keep three to four days of stock.
"Due to inadequate logistics support, replenishment ofstock is not taking placce and scattered sales are reportedacross the state. The situation is absolutely chaotic," hesaid, adding that manufacturing of spirits and beer in state'sdistilleries and breweries had started only two days back.
Following imposition of 30 per cent sales tax,companies have also been taking time to supply liquor bottleswith new MRP to warehouses of the West Bengal State BeveragesCorporation (BEVCO), he said.
"This also creates problem in the supplies of liquorto the shops. The entire supply chain is disturbed," theformer official of the licensees' body said.
Of around 500 shops in the city, roughly 50 remainedopen in the last two days, he said, adding that the scenariois "more or less the same in other parts of the state".
"I think the problem will persist for another 45 daysbefore the supply chain gets normal," said a present officebearer of the association.
Most orders are being placed for 750 ml bottles whiledemand for lower quantities is less in both offline and onlinesegments, he said.
Owing to hefty increase in MRP, bottles of upscaleliquor brands are not sold much, the official said.
He said only 30 per cent of the liquor shop ownersacross the state were able to keep their outlets open.
An official of the liquor shop and hotel owners'association said almost all the shops were closed on Saturdayand sales were "negligible since Friday".
"Some sales are happening online, but the response ispoor," she said.
There are around 3,500 liquor shops in the state, sheadded. dc BDC RBTBDC BDC
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