Lucknow: All liquor shops in Lucknow will remain closed on Friday after the district administration declared a dry day in view of the biennial Uttar Pradesh legislative council elections. District magistrate Vishakh G ordered the shutdown to ensure polling is conducted in a free and fair manner and to maintain law and order. The closure will also be enforced on Oct 27, the day scheduled for counting of votes.A senior administrative officer said the restriction is aimed at preventing any attempt to influence eligible voters through distribution of free liquor.“Though members of legislative councils are elected in an indirect manner, those entitled to vote could be influenced by distribution of free liquor. That is why liquor retail vends are not allowed to function on the day of voting,” the officer said.Lucknow has 1,099 country liquor, composite and model shops, and the excise department generates around Rs 200 crore in monthly revenue through duties on Indian-made foreign liquor, country liquor, beer and other alcoholic beverages.The order applies to premium liquor outlets as well as bhang and toddy shops, wholesale liquor establishments, and military and paramilitary canteens. Directions have been circulated to election, police and excise authorities for enforcement across the district.
