Calcutta: The hospitality industry is worried over the irregular availability of imported Scotch and malt whisky and wines at West Bengal State Beverages Corporation warehouses.

With hotels, bars and restaurants running out of stock, the industry fears a loss in revenue in the coming months unless the government stocks up.

This is over and above the ongoing shortage of beer because of a hike in excise duty and retailer margin, leading to a rise in prices.

"Currently, hotels, restaurants and bars are almost out of stock of beer. Even Scotch, malt whisky and a variety of wines are not available.... Customers are returning from hotels, restaurants and bars," Sudesh Poddar, president, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India, said in a statement. "This might lead to a loss of revenue for the state government as well as for hotels, bars and restaurants."

The association was formed in 1961 with representatives of the hotel and restaurant industry of 12 states and a Union Territory.

"I am afraid the tourism industry will take a hit if this continues for long. I request the state government to resolve the matter," Poddar said.

Oban Single Malt, Royal Salute, Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Grey Goose Vodka and some imported wines are among the brands temporarily running short of stock at the Bevco, Poddar told Metro on Tuesday evening.

At the retail level, the prices of these imported brands range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on the brand, size and age of the liquor.

"A case of six bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label costs around Rs 1.3 lakh. Question is whether the government is prepared to spend that much to stock up on imported cases knowing that the traction would be less compared to, say, Royal Stag," an industry veteran said.

Poddar said: "We will soon submit a letter to the excise commissioner and the finance secretary expressing the concerns of the industry."

The situation is temporary and the corporation is already looking to stock up on these brands for the benefit of buyers, an excise official said.

The Bengal government has put itself in a controlling position by entering into the liquor distribution business. In the current system, the government-owned corporation directly buys from manufacturers and importers and sells them to retailers, bars, restaurants, clubs and establishments with liquor licence.

Some excise licensees feel the government prefers more fast-moving liquor brands over high-cost imported liquor, resulting in the shortage of some brands.