Lucknow liquor traders to protest against Govt

Lucknow, Feb 26: The Lucknow liquor trader planed to stage a protest on Mar 1 demanding the state government to declare the excise policy and to renew the licences of their shops for another year.

"We will hold a massive agitation on Mar 1 to attract the state government's attention towards retail liquor dealers. We will take out a march from our Lalbagh office to the Excise Commissioner's office," President, Lucknow Liquor Association, Pawan Singh told reporters here.

He said the state government has not yet announced its excise policy leading to confusion among the traders.

The livelihood of over 1.20 lakh families was associated with retail liquor trade in the state capital, he said. Also, added that the traders could assure the state government a 20 per cent increase in revenue in the next financial year.

"The process of allotting shops through lottery is not possible as for this 30 days time is to be given to retailers after notification," he said, alleging that the state government was planning to allot liquor trade in entire Lucknow zone to a big businessman.

"We only demand renewal of our licenses and we think this is the best way," Singh said, adding that in their march liquor traders from all over the state are expected to participate.

PTI