Liquor shop near Emaar Palm Hills illegal, say residents

Gurgaon: Opening of a liquor shop near Emaar Palm Hills in Sector 77 has evoked concerns among the residents, who have demanded immediate action from the excise department and district administration.
Residents further alleged that the shop violates government guidelines which restricts a liquor shops from being set up within 100 metres of any residential complex. Moreover, with only one entry gate for the society, the liquor shop will invite unnecessary crowding and pose a threat to the security of the residents, the complainants claimed.
“The shop is right outside our entry gate and we are sure that it’s illegal because of its proximity to a housing complex. It’ll create nuisance in our area as many anti-social elements will crowd there, risking the daily lives of residents. Moreover, during peak office hours it’ll lead to jams as the entrance is on the southern peripheral road (SPR) connecting the national highway, which is usually congested,” said Akanksha Gupta, a resident.
The excise department, however, claimed that the construction of the liquor shop is as per the state government rules and their investigation into the matter didn’t reveal any apparent violations so far. “We are only following the rule of law. Our officials have inspected the shop and its construction is per the norms laid by the government. We didn’t come across any violations,” said a senior excise department official.