<p>Liquor 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. <br /><br /></p>.<p>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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.</p>
<p>Liquor 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. <br /><br /></p>.<p>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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.</p>
