BJP leader and assistant media adviser to Punjab Government Vineet Joshi on Thursday urged Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to regulate the sale of liquor to restrict its availability in the State.
Joshi wants the timing of sale of liquor restricted from 12 noon to 7 pm during the day.
In a letter to both CM & Dy CM, he stressed upon the growing public sentiment in support of regulating the sale of liquor. The BJP leader said the move will augment the Government's initiative to tackle complex labyrinth of drugs in Punjab. He said this could be incorporated in the new excise policy so that a tangible effect can be expected soon.
Joshi said he was surprised to see liquor vends open as early as 5 am in the State when even milk shops are still to open for the day.
Besides, fixing the timing of liquor vends and taverns, he also urged the Government to close liquor vends where even local residents are opposing its set up.
"De-addiction experts (doctors) consider liquor as gateway drug to synthetic drugs. During sessions and round table conferences we discussed ways and methods to curb the proliferating disease of addiction of drugs and along with many suggestions, most of them suggested curbing the round the clock easy availability of less costly liquor in the neighborhood," he added.
Some liquor shops, they stressed, have been seen operating round the clock as their salesmen are available all the time. "Regulating the sale of liquor will come as a relief for the public and send a strong message that the Government serious about tackling drug menace," he said.