The Hindu 19.12.2013
Proposal to shut wayside liquor shops
The State Road Safety Council is considering recommending to the government to close down liquor outlets adjacent to State and national highways to reduce instances of accidents arising out of drunken driving.
In its first meeting here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, the council discussed the ill-effects of liquor shops adjacent to highways. Mr. Reddy said the Excise Department would have to take the final decision and the department might be urged not to renew licences of such shops from June. The Minister told The Hindu that the council would take a final decision in its next meeting.
Meanwhile, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner M. Lakshminarayana urged the council to consider providing government subsidy to those willing to operate Nano and other small cars in Bangalore. Such vehicles would not only ensure safety of passengers but also would reduce pollution. Principal Secretary, Transport, P. Ravi Kumar, Additional Director-General of Police (CIRS), N.S. Megharikh, and representatives from transport organisations were present.
