Pangi villagers seek closure of liquor vends, cite social harm
The demand for the closure of two long-operating liquor vends in Findru gram panchayat, located in the tribal sub-division of Pangi, has intensified as the local panchayat and Mahila Mandal opposed their continuation for the financial year 2025-26.
In a recent meeting, the gram panchayat unanimously passed a resolution calling for the immediate shutdown of these liquor vends — one selling country and foreign liquor and the other a fruit wine shop. Members expressed concerns over the rising alcoholism among youth and its negative social impact on the community.
“There have been multiple complaints about the nuisance caused by these liquor shops. Outsiders often consume alcohol and irresponsibly discard empty bottles, littering the area and posing a danger to livestock. Despite repeated requests, the administration has failed to take action,” said a panchayat representative.
The Pangwal Ekta Manch, an organisation representing the Pangi tribal community, has also backed the demand. Chairman Trilok Thakur wrote to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, citing a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits liquor vends within 500 meters of national and state highways. He pointed out that the Findru liquor vends are located along the SKTT road, a designated state highway under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), making their operation illegal.
Thakur emphasised that Pangi households traditionally ferment liquor from wheat and barley for personal use, a long-standing tribal custom. However, commercial liquor shops are eroding traditional practices, draining the community’s income, and fuelling alcohol addiction. He urged the state government to review its liquor policy for tribal areas and shut down these vends.
The panchayat has urged the government to either permanently close these liquor shops or relocate them in accordance with the HP Excise Act, 2011. Residents and local organisations have vowed to intensify their protests if their demands are not met.
