Residents oppose wine shop near colony

Similar protests witnessed at many places in the district

Big rush: A liquor shop crowded with buyers near the Old Bus Station in Vijayawada on Sunday.

Hundreds of residents, including women, staged a protest at Enikepadu on Sunday urging the government not to permit a wine shop in a residential colony.

They alleged that tipplers were creating nuisance and the locals were unable to even walk on the road as people were consuming liquor on the main road.

The women raised slogans and prevented the opening of the shop on Sunday.

Police rushed to the spot to prevent any law and order problem.

At many other places in the district too, local people organised protests opposing wine shops and bars in residential areas.

Fresh licences

Meanwhile, heavy rush was seen at the liquor shops which were opened on Sunday after taking fresh licences. As old licences expired by June 30, only a few traders opened the outlets after obtaining fresh permits.

“With wine shops remaining closed for the last two days, the shops which were opened on Sunday witnessed heavy sales,” said a buyer.