On the occasion of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations, the Commissioner General of Excise has ordered that all liquor shops with excise licenses for the sale of alcohol should be closed to all retailers across the island tomorrow (13) and the day after tomorrow (14).
However, for the convenience of resident tourists, hotels licensed under Excise tax category 07 and special boutique villas have been allowed to operate.
Furthermore, 1200 excise officers have been deployed to seize illegal drugs and liquor and monitor licensed liquor outlets during this New Year festive period.
These raids are being carried out under 13 Assistant Excise Commissioner Divisions, 31 Excise Officer Divisions, 05 Excise Special Operation Units, and 57 Excise Stations spread across the island.
The phone number 1913, connected to the operation room of the Excise Department, will be kept open for the public to receive complaints related to liquor crimes, drug crimes, and tobacco crimes during this period.
