Kolkata Shops Prepare for Major Rush as Election-Linked Alcohol Ban Schedule Confirmed
It is official that the Election Commission would not backtrack its plans regarding the imposition of prohibition in the city of Kolkata. With the second phase of the assembly elections in the state of West Bengal coming up soon, this will remain until April 27th, following the process of the normal security precautions.
Citizens and businessmen alike have tried their best in convincing the Election Commission to make the prohibition period shorter, but they failed to succeed. This prohibition period will go on for 48 hours before the end of the voting process on April 29th. Due to this, many citizens have already started purchasing their liquor at the shops.
Revenue Dips Due to Alcohol Ban
The renowned nightlife spots of Kolkata, such as Park Street and Salt Lake, are bearing the brunt due to the confirmed ban on alcohol. According to some restaurateurs, conducting the poll on a weekday when there is also no alcohol consumption during weekends causes huge losses for them. It is anticipated that the ban will lead to the stoppage of bookings in many of these lounges.
However, in an attempt to cope with the revenue dip caused by the ban on alcohol, restaurants have decided to organize “mocktail brunches” and food festival. Nevertheless, industry insiders acknowledge that these measures will be futile without selling liquor.
Retail Surge Causes Frenzy at Local Businesses
Whereas bars may experience a downturn, local stores will witness a sudden surge of customers amid the upcoming ban on alcohol. Retailers claim that the volume of sales has increased twofold since the decision was finalized. This development has resulted in long lines and heavy traffic around popular alcohol stores in the city.
Security forces have been placed in several overcrowded areas to cope with the growing number of customers. The frenzy will reach its climax this coming Saturday night shortly before closing time. City officials will keep track of supplies to prevent any form of stockpiling in the period leading up to the ban.
The implementation of the alcohol ban continues to be a key component in the Election Commission’s plan for a smooth election process. The objective here is to ensure that no electoral malpractice or disturbance occurs by ensuring a lack of access to liquor. Regular services will reportedly be reinstated following the closure of the polling booths in the evening of April 29.
As for the future, there will be yet another one-day ban on alcohol that will occur on May 4, when the counting of votes is done. For the time being, however, the residents of Kolkata will need to spend yet another quieter weekend before casting their votes.
