Locals oppose grant of new liquor licence for shop in Cuttack

Cuttack: Tension ran high after scores of residents and members of Balu Bazaar Puja Committee on Monday staged a demonstration against administrative approvals for opening of a licenced foreign liquor shop in the locality.

Resentment was brewing among locals as they questioned how licence was granted to open the liquor shop in the area which is close to a school, temple and other commercial institutions.

The locals have threatened to go on a hunger strike from tomorrow if the licence is not cancelled or the shop is not shifted from the locality.

"There are many educational institutions including Bhakta Madhu Vidya Peetha, Saraswati Sishu Mandir and Marwari High School in the locality. Then how can government grant licence for a liqour shop! This is not justified," said Utkalika Pati, a teacher.

"Just to increase revenue, the Cuttack district Collector has granted permission for setting up the liquor shop in Balu Bazaar market. Apart from educational institutions, many jewellery shops and a book stores are located near the proposed liquor shop," said President of Balu Bazaar Puja committee, Suryakanta Sanganeria.

He further said that a memorandum has been submitted to the Collector and Excise Commissioner to cancel licence of the shop.