Now, Brigade Gateway builds wall to 'circumvent' SC ruling on liquor sale

Taking a cue from Hotel Lalit Ashok, major commercial hub Brigade Gateway has built a wall a few yards away from its entrance in an effort to circumvent the Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the sale of liquor within 500 metres of national highways.

Located off Yeshwantpur, Brigade Gateway houses the World Trade Center, Orion Mall and Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel.

Built two days ago, the wall will ensure that visitors circumambulate the World Trade Center complex. By the time they reach the hotel and a bar inside the commercial complex, the distance from the nearby national highway will exceed 500 metres. The curing of the wall is still in progress.

“The wall was built two days ago but we don’t know why. The road leading to the hotel has been closed now. We have been asked to direct the visitors to go around the World Trade Center building and enter the complex,” said a member of the hotel staff.

Another gate at the rear side of the complex has also been closed for visitors. Only employees of the complex are being allowed right now.

“We have no information about the wall. The Brigade Group, which constructed the complex, may answer you,” said a top executive at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel.

When contacted, a top Brigade Group executive said he was not authorised to speak to the media. “I cannot answer your question. In two minutes, I will provide you the contact number,” the executive said but became unreachable thereafter. Having circumvented the rule, bars in the hotel were functioning fully functional on Tuesday.

Hotel Lalit Ashok shifted the entrance gate on Monday, apparently to circumvent the Court direction and protect its bar lounge from any legal or penal action.