As many as 14 government-run liquor outlets were launched in Dhanbad on Tuesday, and though the prices of popular IMFL brands were marginally higher, patrons did not complain as proper bills were being provided, something many claimed was a rarity when the retail trade was in private hands.

Assistant excise commissioner Rakesh Kumar launched one of the Jharkhand State Beverage Corporation (JSBCL)-run outlets at Barwaddah as chief guest in the presence of JBSCL junior commanding officer Manoj Kumar Chaudhary and four others, including the manager of the shop and two salesmen.

"We appeal to people to buy liquor only from designated shops. Arrangements have been made to provide bills to each customer," Kumar said, adding that in addition to the 14 outlets selling IMFL, JSBCL had also opened 12 outlets for country liquor.

Kumar said that in all, Dhanbad would have 51 shops (28 selling IMFL and 23 country liquor). As of now, only 26 will be run (12 for country liquor), given that they were short of manpower. "The rest will come up in phases," he said.

Shops in urban areas will remain open from 1pm to 10pm with a one-hour break from 4pm. In rural areas, outlets will open from noon to 8pm.

JBSCL junior commanding officer Manoj Choudhary admitted there was a "minor hike" in prices of various brands. "But, we will be providing proper bills to each customer. Gradually computers would be installed at shops to provide computerised bills."

Chaudhary said consignments of all listed brands of IMFL had reached shops on time and that JBSCL would ensure regular supply.

Prices have changed. Blender's Pride (750ml) is dearer, from Rs 760 to Rs 910, while Royal Stag (750 ml) is down from Rs 600 (750 ml) to Rs 460. Kingfisher Special lager beer (650 ml) and Kingfisher strong beer (650 ml) can be had at Rs 101 instead of Rs 110.

But, Panderpala resident Sudhir Kumar Mahto, who came to a shop at Bartand with friend Yudhishthir Mahto, said earlier most shops sold liquor at a much higher rate. "We are happy that the government is running the shops and arbitrary price hikes will be minimised," he said.

But several residents of Bartand, including women, protested against opening a liquor outlet in the locality, fearing it would promote drinking in public.

Assistant excise commissioner Kumar allayed their fears, clarifying that consumption of liquor was strictly banned near shops. "Strict action would be taken against offenders within 24 hours of a complaint. Also, anyone below 21 will not be sold liquor from the outlets," he said.