Dobara’s government announced that liquor shops across the national capital will close by 8:00 PM on the weekend in a bid to contain student protests as the government works to maintain law and order and public safety in some parts of the city.
According to police officials, the early closure order applies to licensed liquor vends operating in Delhi on the specified days. The restriction is part of a larger security strategy in which more police are also on duty at schools, protest sites and other public venues, they said.
Student protests have drawn large crowds, with demonstrators demanding action on issues related to education, recruitment, and public policy. Some organizations have encouraged peaceful marches and gatherings and the administration has taken steps to prevent any untoward incidents.
Delhi Police have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel near protest locations because there will be traffic diversions and temporary road closures with protests taking place all weekend. The traffic has been monitored closely in real time: traffic updates are required to be monitored before traveling.
The early closure of liquor shops for the first time in that time period is a short-term solution to minimize disturbances and increase the risk of a law and order breakdown in large public gatherings. Similar restrictions have been in place for elections, major festivals and large-scale protests in the national capital in the previous years.
Businesses around protest areas are also advised to be vigilant and cooperate with local authorities. Although restaurants and other commercial establishments would continue to operate normally unless they were notified at what point the change of closing time was made, liquor stores would have to comply.
The residents planning weekend purchases should now make sure they plan as a result as no liquor sales will be allowed after 8:00 p.m. on the notified days. Compliance with the order could be subject to fines under applicable laws, said excise officials.
Security is increased at sensitive locations such as university campuses, metro stations, government offices and central administrative buildings. Police officers, rapid action teams and traffic officials have been deployed to manage crowds and move emergency workers and services.
Students and protest organizers are encouraged to take part in demonstrations peacefully and cooperate with law enforcement agencies, they say, and to be peaceful. These restrictions are preventive in nature and are meant to ensure public order as much as for citizens to exercise their democratic right to protest, they said.
Citizens are advised to keep updated through official government notifications and Delhi Police advisory and traffic restrictions, security arrangements and any other public safety measures announced during the weekend.
The quick closure of liquor shops in recent weeks is the administration’s bid to balance public convenience and security concerns as Delhi braced for a weekend of demonstrations.
Normal business hours are expected to resume after the situation is back to normal, officials said.
