BHOPAL: Sale of liquor in districts adjoining Uttar Pradesh would remain suspended for 48 hours prior to polling and counting for UP assembly elections. Order in this regard were issued by the MP state commercial taxes department on Monday.
The order stated for assembly elections in UP, the sale of liquor would be prohibited in districts bordering UP for 48 hours prior to end of polling and on the counting day. The government stated that the order would remain effective for a distance of three kilometers in MP from the UP borders. The government also said that there would be strict monitoring on sale of liquor in districts adjoining UP.
Even transport of liquor to and from UP will be completely stopped. Liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other places where liquor is sold will have to follow the order. The order would also includeplaces that have licence to serve liquor. Those flouting the order would be imprisoned for six months, or will have to pay a fine for Rs 2000 or both, the government stated.
Assembly elections in UP are to be held in seven phases and the dates in February are 10, 14, 20, 23, and 27 and in March dates are 3 and 7. The counting will take place on March 10. Officials said vigil has already been stepped up in the areas bordering UP to check transportation of contraband, weapons or any banned substance.
