Open drinking hub creates nuisance for Sec 56 residents

Divya Sethi

A new liquor shop is proving a nuisance for sector 56 residents as visitors to the makeshift drinking place consume the purchased liquor openly in the market, besides encroaching on the residents’ parking space.

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However, the authorities are waiting to receive a formal complaint from affected residents before taking any action.

The owner has levelled the area adjacent to the shop and organised chairs and tables in the resulting space.

Further, various stalls offering snacks are set up right next to the shop in the evening, where its clientele indulges in food and drinks in the open.

While residents do not object to liquor shops, this open drinking hub is a source of much disturbance.

In just two months, the liquor shop has become a popular hangout for the drinking crowd.

A resident of neighbouring HEWO Apartments complex said, “We cannot think of visiting the market late in the evening. There was a time when parking in this area was easily available but now we hardly get parking space. The parking area is full of people drinking beer or enjoying snacks along with liquor.”

Residents fear the situation will worsen if relevant action is not taken at the right time.

While admitting to the problem, Mahesh Dayma, municipal councillor of the area, said, “I have received complaints and am writing a letter to the excise commissioner before the place becomes a crime zone.”

Anil Kadyan, deputy excise and taxation commissioner, said, “I have no idea if anything of this sort is happening. All I can say is that we have not received any complaint so far. If residents are facing any problem they should come forward and submit a complaint to ensure that action is taken.”