To curb the supply of liquor to buy votes, restrictions have been put in place—one person can buy only six full bottles of IMFL in a day. While the limit is five litre for arrack, in the case of beer, it is limited to nine litre per person.
Police held a meeting with the owners and employees of the bars and explained about the restrictions on sale of liquor and its movement in the region.
Senior SP (North) Praveen Kumar Tripathi told Express that a meeting was held to sensitise the bar owners and employees about liquor sales when the model code of conduct is in force and they were asked to stick to the licensing conditions in the sale of liquor. The employees/owners were asked to immediately inform the police when bulk quantity of liquor was purchased and if a person is buying maximum quantity on a daily basis.
The SSP urged them not to supply liquor to those who approach them with coupons issued by agents of candidates or on behalf of political parties. The coupons are distributed to buy votes by offering liquor.
Tripathi also told them not to be lured by offers of gift or money to force them sell more liquor. The bar premises should not be used for anti-social elements and the presence of any such element should be intimated to the police, he said. The bar owners were also urged to adhere to timings of opening and closure strictly.
One Arrested
Police on Tuesday night arrested Arogyasami (24) of Periyar Nagar,who tried to smuggle 75 full bottles of liquor. He was held following a complaint by flying squad.
Cracker Units Shut
Four cracker manufacturing units, two in Kuruvinatham and one each in Nettapakkam and Karikalmpakkam, were sealed as precautionary measure. Tahsildar Ramesh said they were shut to avoid the explosives reaching anti-social elements.