Residents protest seeking closure of liquor outlet in their area

Mysuru: Led by BJP leader and Chamaraja MLA L Nagendra, residents of Lakshmikantha Nagar on Monday staged a protest to pressure local authorities to close a liquor outlet cum bar that recently started operations in the locality. The residents complained that the liquor shop would be a cause of nuisance in the area, which is predominantly a residential locality, and gathered in front of the commercial complex where the establishment in question is operating out of, and demanded its closure.
Corporators Lakshmi Shivanna, Subaiah, KV Sridhar, Prema Shankaregowda, Vedavathi, Pramila Bharat were among those who lent support to the residents’ protest. They were joined by former councillors Shivanna and Mahadevappa.
The protesters said that the authorities were reluctant to act against the liquor outlet since it was owned by a prominent businessman in Mysuru. “The outlet is situated opposite a park, frequented by the young and old alike. Many of us take our morning and evening strolls in the park. What is more, a school is a stone’s throw away from the liquor store, and students will have to walk past this establishment every day,” the residents said.
They added that the commercial complex also housed a provision store, a beauty parlour and other outlets frequented regularly by residents. “Having a liquor store in the same complex will affect our business,” said some of the traders.
Chamaraja MLA Nagendra asked authorities to initiate action to shift the liquor outlet to another location at the earliest. “The excise portfolio is handled by chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. He should cancel the wine shop’s licence immediately. If the government does not initiate action, we will hold a massive demonstration in front of the deputy commissioner’s office,” said the BJP leader.
In-charge deputy commissioner of excise department in Mysuru Manjunath said that the liquor outlet at the complex in Lakshmikantha Nagar had started operations only after obtaining permission from all the departments. “Owing to opposition from residents and the local MLA, the owner of the outlet has agreed to voluntarily down the shutters of the shop. Necessary measures will be taken to shift the shop to a new location,” Manjunath said.