JOIN USLiquor shops in the City did a brisk business on Tuesday as consumers made last-minute purchases to stock the spirits for two dry days – Wednesday and Thursday – in the wake of an election-related ban imposed on the sale of alcohol and beverages.
There was an estimated 30 per cent increase in the sale of spirits even as the ban came into force from 5 pm on Tuesday, sources said.
While police officials were seen asking pubs and retail outlets to close shop from 3 pm itself, the last-minute buying went beyond the deadline in many parts of the City. “Last time, restaurants were allowed to serve liquor.
But this time around, ban orders issued by the Election Commission covers restaurants, too, which in a way spurred the sale of liquor,” a member of Pubs, Bars and Restaurants Owners’ Association said.