Heavy rush was witnessed outside liquor shops across the State capital and other parts of the State on Thursday, ahead of counting day which is to take place on Friday, when a dry day will be observed to maintain law and order during the counting of votes and declaration of results.
For those downing a peg or two daily, it is sure to be a dampener. liquor sale would be prohibited on May 16, when the votes would be counted for the recently held parliamentary elections.
Orders were issued in this regard by district collector as per directives of Election Commission of India (ECI). The liquor shops will remain closed on the day of counting till late evening and the authorities concerned will keep a strict vigil on the liquor vendors that fall within their jurisdictions and action will taken as per law if anybody is caught flouting norms on Friday.
All necessary steps have been taken to ensure that there is not even clandestine sale of liquor today, he said. Meanwhile, liquor vends in the city did brisk business this afternoon with customers stocking up ahead of the ‘dry day’. A liquor vendor said there was a big spurt in sales during the afternoon after people came to know it was a dry day tomorrow due to counting of votes.
The ECI has directed for strict compliance of legal provisions. During counting of ballots sale and distribution of spirit-based liquor, intoxicant or any substance of the same nature will be prohibited in hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, schools, shops and any other public and private place.