Liquor shop shuts down after locals protest

A liquor shop had to down its shutters following protests by locals in a remote village in Rajasthan's Barmer district.

The agitation was part of a movement by the villagers against "alcohol menace" following the death of three youngsters on July 10 who were riding a motorcycle in an inebriated state and collided with a school bus.

The movement is being led by 75-year old Amolakh Das Bhambhu who in a public meeting on July 16, asked people, particularly the youth, to quit alcohol, the villagers said.

He vowed to leave the village and never return if people didn't pay heed to his request. His appeal moved the locals who decided to demand the closure of the liquor shop.

The menace of liquor is known to all. Three families lost their young boys in a road accident which was a very unfortunate incident therefore we unanimously decided to demand the closure of the liquor shop from, Laxman Kaga, a villager said.

On their representation, the district administration initiated the process and forwarded the matter to the excise department and after the due process, the shop was yesterday closed.

Excise officer Bhanwar Singh said that the shop was closed after the demand of the villagers.