TURA: Wine stores operating within Tura town are in a dilemma over how to go about complying with the new order issued by the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, directing them to buy back empty liquor bottles from consumers.
The new order which comes into effect from July 30 was issued on Thursday keeping in view that liquor bottles are littered all over public places and picnic spots, including tourist destinations, which is an eyesore to the general public. As per the order, beer bottles are to be bought back at Rs 2 per bottle and others at Re 1 per bottle.
The district administration had nominated Inspector of Excise in Tura, A Ch Momin, as nodal officer to coordinate with wine store owners who were also directed to comply with the order and coordinate with the official.
However, those selling liquor are apprehensive that the order will create problems for them as there are tonnes of liquor bottles lying around the town.
“There are tonnes of liquor bottles lying around at different places since decades. Now not only the consumers but others will take advantage of the order and bring them to us for sale. How are we supposed to deal with it if someone brings in bags and bags of empty bottles,” a wine store attendant said.
Businessman and owner of a liquor store at Hawakhana, SA Sangma, said barring the order, there was no prior information from the district administration on what to do with the empty bottles after they are bought from consumers.
“Of course we can buy back the empty bottles but where do we store them and what do we do with them. We will also require a large store room and another attendant to look after it,” Sangma said.
Sangma is of the view that the administration should have floated a tender to allot the job of collecting the empty bottles or a special permit issued to someone so that the same can be shipped in bulk for recycling.
“Engaging someone with an official permit for the job would not have created any problems. But an order is an order and we will have to comply with it. We will have a meeting in this regard with other stakeholders and also meet the deputy commissioner soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, there is also apprehension among some consumers that the order will lead to rise in liquor prices.
“It’s a good initiative taken by the district administration and may also solve the problem of littering. But we will definitely see a slight rise in the price of liquor and it will be the consumers who will have to shell out a little bit extra,” a consumer who chose to be unnamed said.
