Haryana border districts to go dry during Punjab polls

Chandigarh, Feb 9 (UNI) The Haryana government has decided to close liquor vends in its districts bordering Punjab on February 13 when the neighbouring state goes to the polls.

The liquor vends in the districts of Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Fatehabad and Sirsa would remain closed for 48 hours ahead of the conclusion of polls on February 13.

The vends would also remain closed for 48 hours ahead of counting on February 27.

Haryana Excise and Taxation Commissioner Arun Kumar said the decision had been taken in view of the request made by his Punjab counterpart.

He said restrictions prescribed in the excise laws on possession and storage of liquor on unlicensed premises would be enforced vigorously to ensure that storage of liquor by individuals reduce drastically during the periods mentioned above.

UNI