Illegal liquor sale, drinking in public places thrive in Palampur

BQ-- In Palampur, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur, Maranda, Alampur, Thakurdwara, Bundla and Gopalpur areas, the business has flourished in the past few years, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, November 17

The illegal sale and consumption of liquor in public places such as dhabas, restaurants and tea stalls in Palampur has become a regular practice.

In the absence of any check from the authorities, liquor is openly served at these places.

In Palampur, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur, Maranda, Alampur, Thakurdwara, Bundla and Gopalpur areas, the business has flourished in the past few years, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.

Even in parks, on roadsides and riverbeds, groups of youths can be seen consuming liquor, causing inconvenience to tourists.

Forests near Bindravan, Gopalpur, Saurabh Van Vihar, Neugal Cafe and roads leading to Kandi, Jhakhni Mata and Bundla have become hubs where the groups can be seen consuming liquor, making it difficult for pedestrians.

Despite complaints of locals and social bodies, no steps have been initiated to check it.

A senior police officer admitted that there were many points where liquor was being sold. The police had conducted raids and also arrested persons involved in this trade but because of certain loopholes in the law, they got bail.