The state government has asked Excise officials not to relocate liquor shops from highways to residential areas and also appealed to the people not to take law in their hands and vandalise liquor shops.
Government spokesman and Power minister Shrikant Sharma told reporters in lucknow on Friday that Excise officials have been directed not to relocate liquor shops to residential areas or to locations near religious places and schools.
“Officials have been asked to respect the sentiments of people. Anyone found guilty would have to face action,” Sharma said.
The minister also appealed to the people not to break the law by vandalising liquor shops.
“This is a law abiding government and we will not allow any violation. If the people have any grievance, they should complain to concerned officials and not take law in their hands,” Sharma said.
In recent days, incidents of liquor shops being vandalised have been reported from different parts of the state over shifting of these shops from highways to colonies. Public particularly women have been protesting the opening of liquor shops in residential areas. The mob at Jaunpur and Shahjehanpur even torched some liquor shops.
Around 5,500 liquor shops in UP have been relocated from highways, of which 4,000 were yet to reopen due to protests by the local residents.