Delhiites can vote out liquor shops in neighbourhood: Govt

NEW DELHI: Delhiites can now take a call on shutting neighbourhood liquor shops if they create a nuisance in their areas by voting them out, the AAP government has decided.

In August last year, the government had announced that people would be empowered to shut existing neighbourhood vends if there were complaints of 'nuisance'.

In a statement, the Delhi government said that in a first, two liquor shops were voted for closure on October 16 in Rohini.

"Liquor shops, including those running legally, will face the public scrutiny if there are any problems to the residents of the area. The residents will now be free to approach their respective MLAs and district administration with their complaints against such liquor vends," the statement said.

It stated that thereafter, the MLA in coordination with the administration would call a meeting of the residents, RWAs and decide on the future of the liquor shop through a voting and hearing.

"Once the voting process and hearing is done, the local police and department of excise will submit a report for the closure of the particular shop," an official said.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had last year said the process to decide on shutting a shop would be initiated once 10 per cent voters of a 'mohalla sabha' submit a written complaint.

According to the government officials, this step would encourage people to come forward and complaint against their own issues. "Our government believes that people should be involved in the governance because such issues bother them much more than us," said an AAP leader.

The officials said that based on the submitted complaints the government will judge the issues and if needed then discuss the matter with the local police.

With the help of police the government will close down the shops and cancel the licenses.