Poll code or not, get booze anytime, anywhere

Ludhiana: Whether it’s the model code of conduct or norms for liquor sale, nothing prevents some liquor vends in the city from selling alcohol way past their deadline. Importantly, the liquor vends rule the roost allegedly in connivance with cops on night duty, who in turn get commission per night.
Even as liquor can’t be sold after 11pm as per norms, a few vends outside the Ludhiana railway station continue their business till midnight without any fear of law.
In one such incident, the TOI photojournalist captured a video of a liquor vend near the railway station at 11.32pm in which several people can be seen buying liquor. Even as the shutter of the shop remained closed, customers were provided booze through a small window. Moreover, two workers were specially deployed outside the vend to ensure that customers go away from the spot soon after buying liquor.
Talking to TOI photojournalist, who posed as a customer, a worker of liquor vend said, “In total, there are five workers on duty. Three are deputed inside the vend to sell liquor while two, including him, stand outside to ask people to leave from the spot.
The worker says, “After buying liquor, customers usually stand here and start drinking. Cops object to it, so I am on duty to ask them to go after taking booze.”
When questioned if cops do not stop them from selling liquor till midnight, the worker said, “How can they stop us when they (cops) get Rs 500 per day.”
In another video at 11.35pm, several men can be seen going towards the small window of the shutter and buying liquor. They are also captured enjoying booze standing outside the vend near the railway station without any fear of cops.
The TOI photojournalist was there at the spot till 12.15am.
Another person, who is a regular customer at the vend, revealed that liquor is sold here till wee hours. One has to knock at the shutter to get liquor. For this late night service, customers are charged some extra bucks.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Ashwani Kapur said, “I will personally check the matter. Liquor cannot be sold after 11pm and we have to enforce it if the norms are not being followed.”
On asking about the role of PCR cops, the DCP said, “I will get the matter checked and find out whose beat is this and who was on duty. After inquiry, action will be ensured if allegations are found to be true.”
Box: Deadlines don’t matter
Even as deadline for liquor vends ends at 11pm, customers keep lining up outside a liquor vend near the city railway station way past midnight
Even as the shutter of the shop remains closed, customers are provided booze through a small window
Two workers are specially deployed outside the vend to ensure that customers go away from the spot soon after buying liquor
According to a regular customer at the vend, liquor is sold here till wee hours. One just has to knock at the shutter to get liquor.
For this service, customers are charged some extra bucks
‘Cops get money’
A liquor vend worker says, “Customers usually stand outside the shop and drink. As cops object to their presence, two vend workers are specially deployed to ask customers to go away after getting booze.” When questioned if cops do not stop them from selling liquor till midnight, the worker said, “How can they stop us when they (cops) get Rs 500 per day.”
OfficialSpeak
I will personally check the matter. Liquor cannot be sold after 11pm and we have to enforce it if the norms are not being followed. Cops will face action if their role is established in the violation.
Ashwani Kapur | deputy commissioner of police