VIJAYAWADA: The Anna Canteen, inaugurated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at RTC Workshop Road, Bhavanipuram on Wednesday is a haven for tipplers as it located within a stone’s throw of a bar and three liquor shops on the other side of the road. Police officials and the canteen management fear trouble for people who visit the canteen for food from the tipplers.
On the day one itself, serpentine queues were witnessed near the canteen as several tipplers jostled for subsided food. Probably sensing that tipplers might create nuisance, police officials instructed the bar and restaurant owner adjacent to the canteen to keep his business closed for next two days citing law and order problem.
Police said they will increase patrolling at the canteen during the time when food is served to people. They said regular patrolling will be taken up near the Anna Canteen to prevent tipplers from entering the premises. “If they violate rules, necessary action will be taken against them and, if the situation warrants, trouble-makers will be shifted to the police station located a kilometre away,” an official said.
Speaking to TNIE, corporator (division (28) Y Ramaiah said that despite surrounded by a bar and some liquor shops, the location was ideal.
“A sign board will be put up at the entrance of the canteen warning of action against drunk people if they enter the premises,’’ he said.
Officials said there were discussions about the likely problems from tipplers while the proposal was at its initial stages.
However, they decided to set up the canteen in the area considering the fact that it would benefit scores of unorganised sector workers.