Bars in Puducherry directed to keep up closure time

The police in Puducherry have directed owners of liquor outlets to comply strictly with the closure timing prescribed for bars and install Closed Circuit Television cameras on their premises.

The direction was issued at a meeting of the owners of liquor outlets convened by Superintendent of Police, South, Chintha Kothandaraman. He has instructed the owners of liquor outlets to close their shops by 11 p.m. The outlets have been directed not to allow customers to drink in open places near their shops. CCTV cameras should be installed and their proper functioning ensured, a press note said.

The SP has asked the outlets not to sell alcohol to persons below 18 years of age and to inform the police of any quarrel that erupts on their premises without wasting time. The meeting was held against the backdrop of recent law and order issues that cropped up after consumption of alcohol, it said.