Amritsar admn bans sale of liquor, meat, tobacco in walled Amritsar

According to the official order, the Punjab Government had earlier declared the Walled City of Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib) as Holy Cities. Following this notification, directions were issued to the concerned departments to prohibit the use, sale and storage of liquor, meat, paan, bidi, cigarettes, tobacco-based products and intoxicants in the notified areas.

Acting on these instructions, the Amritsar district administration has enforced a blanket prohibition within the Walled City limits. The order specifically bars the production, sale, consumption and storage of paan, bidi, cigarettes, tobacco products and other intoxicants in the holy city area. The administration has also reiterated restrictions on liquor and meat-related activities in the notified zone.

The District Magistrate stated that, given the urgency and sensitivity of the matter, the order had been passed ex-parte and would remain effective until 7 July unless modified earlier. The Civil Surgeon, Amritsar, has been authorised to ensure strict implementation and monitoring of the order. Officials have been directed to maintain close surveillance on violations and take action against offenders under the relevant legal provisions.

The move is aimed at preserving the religious sanctity and cultural character of the holy city area, particularly around the heritage and religious precincts of Amritsar.