Visakhapatnam: With New Year round the corner, bootleggers are trying to cash in on the demand for spirits as Bacchus is in the mood to eat, drink and make merry in Vizag.

Some liquor businessmen have started selling alcohol higher than its Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) due to the increased demand. The chill in the weather and the festive season has hiked the demand for alcohol this yearend. Bar and restaurant owners also expect a rise in alcohol consumption on New Year’s eve.

The excise department has extended the time for liquor shops and restaurants for New Year celebrations and liquor shops have been permitted to operate till 1 am on the night of December 31.

A liquor businessman on condition of anonymity said that the demand for alcohol increased since Christmas and that December 31 and January 1 are the best time for business. We have been selling alcohol at around Rs 30 above MRP on some popular brands of brandy and rums. While in other cities alcohol dealers offer discounts to attract consumers during the New Year, in Vizag consumers are ready to pay more to buy it, he added.

“Last year the alcohol dealers in Vizag did a total business of Rs10 crore on December 31 which is expected to soar to Rs 15 crore. Vizagites, who have experienced cyclone Hudhud are gearing up to welcome the New Year in a grand manner which is likely to push the spirit business,” said excise superintendent, Vizag, P. Ramachandra Rao.

“There are a total of 97 bars and restaurants and 56 liquor shops in Vizag city. Though the government hasn’t fixed any target for sales of alcohol during the New Year, we are confident that we will cross Rs 90 crore in December and the sales will cross Rs 100 crore,” said excise officials.