Residents of Hindustan Times, Una, Sahyog and Supreme Apartments in Mayur Vihar phase I have expressed worry over two liquor shops in Sikka Plaza 2, a neighbouring shopping complex close to Ahlcon Public School. Residents fear that school children who frequent the complex may take to alcohol consumption.
The complex has also become a hub of miscreants, who consume alcohol in the open. Some among them are even involved in criminal activities such as chain-and mobile-snatching. The crime rate in the area has gone up as a result. Residents said they would raise the issue with the local MLA and ask him to get the shops shifted elsewhere.
"School children being exposed to alcohol is our biggest concern," said PK Vasudeva, president of Una Apartments. "On one hand Bihar and Gujrat governments have banned liquor, on the other hand, Delhi government is allowing liquor shops near schools. It's unfortunate."
Residents said the area used to be quite peaceful before the liquor stores set up shop.
"It has been reduced to a place for drunks," said RK Aggarwal, resident of Hindustan Times Apartments, which is adjacent to the complex. "Earlier there was just one shop. Now another shop opened up just three months back. It is bound to increase criminal activity in the area."
As per rule, a liquor shop should be at least 100 metres away from a religious place or school. Residents claim that the rule has been flouted by giving liquor licence to these shops.
