Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090860130300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Removal of liquor shop demanded

Staff Reporter

Braving rain, over 200 women squat on Water Tank road

VIJAYAWADA: Tension prevailed at Giripuram on Sunday as some 200 women staged rasta roko against the opening of a liquor shop in their locality. The shop was opened a couple of days ago, but it was noticed on the third day.

The Water Tank road adjacent to Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium witnessed tense moments as the women and children, using umbrellas to protect themselves from the heavy downpour, squatted on the road demanding the removal of the liquor shop. The protest, which began around 9.30 a.m., continued for four hours.

Residential area

“It is unfortunate that the government has granted permission for a liquor shop despite knowing that no such shop should be allowed in residential areas. Close to the shop, there are two places of worship,” said M. Sanjay, a resident.

The agitating women contended that there were, in fact, 15 places of worship in the vicinity, while a hospital was located opposite the shop.

The policemen watched the drama unfolding while maintaining that getting it closed was not in their hands, as the permission had been issued by the Prohibition and Excise Department. “We are in no way concerned with the permission of the shop. We brought the issue to the notice of the officers concerned and they have promised to look into the issue,” said Circle Inspector Bhaskar Rao.

Demonstration today

The protesters gave up their agitation only after ACP Traffic V. Suresh Babu intervened and assured them that the attention of the higher officials of Prohibition and Excise Department would be drawn to the issue.

The women planned to stage a demonstration at Sub-Collector’s office on Monday.

Official’s assurance

When contacted, Excise Superintendent Y.B. Bhaskar Rao said that the licence was originally issued for locating the shop in 17th municipal division, but the licence holders obtained permission from the Commissioner for Excise and Prohibition for shifting it to 18th division on the grounds that they could not find a suitable location in the 17th division.

“We’ll take a decision on allowing the shop in 18th division after discussing the issue with our higher-ups,” he said.