Residents of Daily Market area have hit the streets to protest the excise department’s move of granting permission to set up wine shop in the areas. The residents claimed that due to setting up of liquor shop near Urdu Library which is residential areas women and children will be affected. The residents of the areas claimed that Urdu Library is the place frequented by residents of the areas particularly women and children for purchasing their day to their activities.
The residents claimed that setting up wine shop will impact women and children as it will become a hangout place for anti-social elements. The residents of Urdu Library areas in protest against Government’s move staged demonstration at Daily Market police station. Abdul Razak, a resident of area said, “The excise department move to set up liquor shop will create a bad impression for residents particularly women and children. Anti-social elements will gather at the spot creating law and order problem in the areas.” Razak said that they will never allow excise department to set up liquor shop in the areas.
The residents of area even submitted a memorandum protesting against Government decision to set up liquor shop to officer in-charge of Daily Market police station. The officer in-charge said that the decision to set up liquor shop is not under his jurisdiction. He said, “I will forward the memorandum to District Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and they will take a final call in this connection.”
Meanwhile, Excise Commissioner Bhor Singh Yadav said, “As per new excise policy the department provides license area-wise. It is duty of respective shop owner where to set up the shops, however, the wine shop should be far from religious spots, educational institutions, hospitals and others.” On the issue of setting up shop near Urdu Library, the Excise Commissioner said that the department has come to know about the issue, the officials will look into the matter.
The Jharkhand Government this year decided to hand over liquor sale to private parties and increase the number of shops to 1664 with an aim to boost revenue. The Raghubar Das Government took the decision as the State Government failed to get desired revenue after it took over retail liquor trade in the State in 2017.
As per new liquor policy number of liquor shops has gone up in State. In State Capital, before the new policy there were around 95 liquor shops, but with new policy the number of wine shops have gone up to more than 200. In New Market areas with the radius of one km, there are three shops. Similarly, at Kanke road from Jawahar Nagar to CMPDI there are six shops.