INTRODUCTION : Alcohol is one of the most important chemicals used in the laboratories. In Biology and Chemistry laboratories it is used almost every day. In this exercise you will study how you can procure alcohol for lab activities. In India alcohol is a control item. We cannot buy alcohol from the open market by simply placing an order or inviting quotations which is done in the case of other consurnable/non-consumable items. Permit for procuring alcohol can be obtained from the Excise Department of the State Government. As lab Technical assistant you will be responsible for getting the alcohol permit and its renewal each year before 31^st March. You will also maintain day-to-day records of alcohol used and kept in stock. This indeed is a very important activity as the Excise Inspector could come for a surprise check before giving a fresh permit or renewal of permit.