Minister blames legal loopholes

Hyderabad: Rejecting allegations levelled against the State government for failing to prevent the opening up of liquor shops in the vicinity of schools and colleges and places of worship, State Excise and Prohibition Minister T Padma Rao attributed it to a lacuna in the existing law.

Responding to a short discussion on curbing country made liquor (Gudumba) in the State Assembly here on Tuesday, he asked the members to join hands with the State government in bringing a change in that provision.

The issue had come to light when BJP MLA G Kishan Reddy, while welcoming the government’s move to curb the Gudumba, pointed out that tens and thousands of bars and liquor shops have come up in the vicinity of the schools, colleges and places of worship.

Pointing out at the growing disturbing trend of school and college students getting addicted to liquor, he said that the existing rule provides not to issue licenses to open bars and liquor shops within 100 meters of schools and colleges, and places of worship.

But, “the Excise Department officials are finding a way out, and granting licenses indiscriminately,” he pointed out. He said that several bars, pubs and clubs in twin cities have been offering the sale of liquor at 30 percent from 11 PM to 12 midnight in the name of Golden Hour Scheme to attract young people.

Also, the ‘buy one and get one free’ offer has been floated to attract young people to consume liquor from beyond 1 AM in the name of Happy Hours. In the twin cities, nearly 25 percent of the accidents have been taking place under the influence of liquor intoxication, he added.

Admitting the lapses, the Excise Minister said that neither the government nor the officials were responsible for the provisions in the law which allows ways of computing the distance for the issue of licenses.

The Minister said that unlike earlier governments, the initiatives taken up by the present state government have succeeded in curbing Gudumba by 98 percent. And, those dependent on brewing Gudumba for their livelihoods have been given Rs 2 lakh for self-employment and so far 5,000 families have been benefitted from the scheme. Ruling party MLA Gongidi Sunitha initiated the discussion urging the government to take effective steps to curb arrack brewing.

Appreciating the State government for eradicating the Gudumba, TTDP MLA R Krishnaiah urged the government to ban the liquor sales in a phased manner. CPM member Sunnam Rajaiah demanded that the State government give permission to the tribals for brewing Gudumba as it was their culture.

TRS MLA Shankar Naik urged the government to slap cases against those supplying black jaggery under Prevention Detention Act. He said the government was earning Rs 35,000 to 40,000 crore per year overtaking the Uttar Pradesh State’s turnover. He also slammed the State government for allowing liquor sales in the name of Golden Hours and Happy Hours.