Four-day liquor ban imposed in Bengaluru; Valentines' Day ends ends on sour note

BENGALURU: Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner KA Dayanand has announced a liquor ban in the city for four days. A liquor ban has been imposed for four days from February 14. The sudden decision comes in the wake of the by-poll election to be held in Bangalore teacher’s constituency.

Liquor ban in Bengaluru will be from 5 pm today to 6 am on February 17. The Deputy Commissioner informed that this is to prevent any untoward incidents during the polling. The ban applies to all areas under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Police. Apart from this, an alcohol ban has also been imposed on February 20, the day of the counting of votes. The sudden development has left many in Bengaluru dismayed since the youth will have to follow abstinence, that too on the eve of Valentines Day.

The Bengaluru City District Liquor Traders Association (BCDLTA) has demanded a review of the matter claiming that the decision will see the business going south. The association said the liquor ban would adversely affect more than 3,700 establishments in the city and the state would lose around Rs 300 crore in excise duty.