Opposition dharna against liquor policy on July 1

The Lok Satta, CPI, RSP, Forward Block, Welfare Party of India and others will be staging a dharna at the Excise Commissioner's office in Nampalli on Monday, July 1, demanding a reversal of the present Excise policy.

The parties contend that the present policy under which private traders run liquor shops has led to the proliferation of illegal outlets and an increase in liquor consumption. The policy has ruined the health and living conditions of the poor.

The parties would like the Government to take over liquor trade, limit the number of shops and the days and hours of their functioning, and entrust local governments and self-help groups with the task of shutting down belt shops.