Booze shops operate with impunity across Gurugram

Gurugram: The mushrooming of liquor vending units near residential units and around residential colonies is irking residents in Gurugram. Most of these establishments are even sprouting up near schools, complaints of which have been raised by parents earlier too.

Even as the Haryana government has imposed stringent measures against public drinking, the menace is still visible on a large scale in numerous wine and beer shops. Moreover, these shops are expanding their spaces, so as to be used for partying and dining purposes.

Again, such cases are being reported in and around residential areas, which contain large swathes of vacant spaces.

"There is a greater requirement to maintain the law and order problems caused due to presence of liquor vending units situated along the busy stretches. As most of these units have a strong clout, it will not be difficult for them to find alternate spaces in the city," said Ankur Jain, a resident in a condominium society situated at Golf Course road.

"When you visit Gurugram, especially in the evening, you will see that most of the areas are dark, because of non-functional streetlights. However, you will find that thekas (liquor shops) have installed their own high powered LED bulbs," he added.

There have been instances in the past where resident welfare associations have held protests and forced the district authority to clear liquor vending units situated in residential areas.

"Two liquor shops next to the school, one on each side of the road – English wine and beer, nothing less. The nearest bookshop is more than a block and three flights of stairs away. That's Gurugram for you," rues Debeshi Gooptu, another Gurugram resident.

According to the state's excise department, Haryana, in 2018-19, accrued Rs 12.3 crore tendering new licences in the eastern and western parts of Gurugram.