Acting on complaints from RWAs, the excise department measured the distance of liquor vends, who were found to be outside the 150-m ban.
Good news for liquor vendors, but residents' don't seem convinced.
After the RWA and residents from areas such as DLF Phase IV, Manesar and Bilaspur raised objections about the proximity of liquor vends to schools and residential areas, the excise department swung into action. But after the measurements were done, the vendors were declared to be in the safe zone.
The measurable distance exceeded the 150-m ban. The state’s excise policy clearly says that liquor vends cannot operate within 150 m of a religious place or a recognised educational institute.
However, residents claimed the distance to be less than 100 m.
“We feel uncomfortable with children exposed to liquor vends. It can always result in addiction,” complained Arti Yadav, a parent and resident of DLF Phase IV.
“Children are curious... No matter how much you stop them they will be drawn towards places they are forbidden to go. The relocation of most vendors in residential areas is bound to spell harm for kids,” says Deepak Vohra, a resident of Sector 14.
Excise officials say since the vendors are not flouting any rules, they can’t be subjected to legal action.
