Haryana gets tough with those drinking in public places

Chandigarh, Feb 14 (IANS) Drinking in public places will invite stricter punishment and penalties in Haryana, a stated minister said on Tuesday.

Haryana Excise and Taxation Minister Abhimanyu said that the government has notified that no person shall consume liquor at a place which has not been so licensed or authorised under the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, except at one's dwelling house.

"Therefore, consumption of liquor on or along the road or in a park/garden/market, or a river side etc. shall be an offence," the minister added.

He said that consumption of liquor in a vehicle, whether running or parked, shall be an offence. In case of any violation, an excise officer, not below the rank of an Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer (Excise), would detain the offender and seize liquor and the vehicle.

The minister said that the District Collector might either refer the case to a court for trial or dispose of the case himself by imposing a penalty of Rs 5,000 per person for the first offence, Rs 10,000 per person for the second and every subsequent offence.

In case the offender is also found to have created nuisance after consumption of liquor, the case shall be referred to the court for trial.

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