Permit rooms a license to drink more alcohol?

Till a month back, people had to hide and drink alcohol fearing that any of their family members would spot them. Some had even cut down on their drinking habits because of the same reason. But the government has come to their rescue with its new rule. Now with a rule that every wine store must have a permit room, it's become easier for people to drink as much as they want without fear of being seen.

Government in its new order made it mandatory for wine shops to have permit rooms and also collected Rs 2 lakhs as additional charge on the license fee for its renewal.

With this new rule, every wine shop has turned into a mini bar. Out of 6,596 wine shops in the state, 1,533 shops have not renewed their licenses yet but have the required facilities.
According to the new rule,

•  There should not be any seating arrangements in the room, but one can have the drink standing
• The rule also prohibits food items from being prepared or sold in such places
• Traders must have a minimum space of 15 square metres attached to the retail outlet. It must have a  separate entrance.

Unfortunately, the reality is something very different and hard-hitting. Looks like the traders have changed the policy to suit their convenience much to the delight of the customers. To make the most of the opportunity and earn some quick bucks, several traders have set up big halls either on the top floor or in a shed. Besides, most places also have facilities like fans and chairs while some traders even have air conditioned halls.

As per the rule, food should not be served. However, liquor vendors are providing even options in food— veg and non-veg. Food is also supplied at the tables. Some have even set up dhabas next to their liquor shops to lure more customers and ensure they stay long enough.

The new policy was implemented with the intention of prohibiting people from boozing on the roads and outside wine shops. However, since the time the new rule came into force (July 1), situation hasn't changed much. People can still be seen consuming alcohol on the roadside.

• In Ananthapur, many liquor vendors have turned their shops into a mini bar selling both liquor and food.
• In West Godavari district, Bhimavaram, Tadepalli Gudem, Tanuku, Palakollu, Narasapuram, Jangareddy Gudem, Nidadavolu, Kovvrur, Chintalapudi, Kalla and nearby places, wine shops have fast food centres and fully furnished rooms
•  In Karimnagar district, all the main towns and gramapanchayats have permit rooms for wine shops. All the rooms are well decorated with fancy curtains. Food including fish, biryani and other non-veg items are available inside the permit rooms
•  In Khammam district, the wine shop supplies liquor in all the permit rooms till 12 pm although the closing time is 10 pm.
•  In Adilabad district, shops lack permit rooms, but have arranged small dens to serve liquor.
•  In Krishna district, wine shops have turned into dhabas

- Siva@Sakshipost