Jaipur Liquor Vendors Launch Indefinite Strike Over Police Harassment
Liquor vendors across Jaipur have announced an indefinite shutdown of all liquor shops starting from February 16. This drastic action comes in response to what they describe as sustained and disruptive police interference during their official operating hours. Shopkeepers have issued a stark warning, predicting sharp revenue losses for both their businesses and the state exchequer if the situation is not addressed with immediate urgency.
Memorandum Accuses Police of Creating Daily Ordeal
In a strongly worded memorandum submitted to the Excise Commissioner of the Rajasthan government, the traders have leveled serious allegations against local police personnel. They claim that despite having official permission to operate until 8:00 PM, police officers routinely descend upon liquor outlets as early as 7:30 PM. This premature enforcement forces shops to close early, drives away potential customers, and inflicts heavy financial damage on a daily basis. The vendors assert that what should be routine business hours have been transformed into a consistent ordeal.
Raj Liquor Welfare Society Leads Protest to Breaking Point
The protest is being spearheaded by the Raj Liquor Welfare Society, which states that the situation has reached a critical breaking point. Society President Nilesh Mewara expressed the vendors' desperation, stating, "Our livelihoods are being strangled, while the state exchequer is losing substantial revenue every single day due to these disrupted sales." In a symbolic act of protest, the society plans to hand over shop keys to the Excise Commissioner. Mewara further warned that if their demands remain unmet, they will proceed with an indefinite strike, halting all operations indefinitely.
Demands for Policy Intervention and Extended Hours
The association has put forth two primary demands in their bid to resolve the crisis. Firstly, they are calling for strict directives to be issued to halt all police interference during sanctioned business hours. Secondly, they are seeking an extension of shop timings from the current 8:00 PM closure to 11:00 PM. This extension is viewed as essential to compensate for the mounting losses already incurred and to restore confidence among the vendor community. An official familiar with the matter noted that the Rajasthan government has recently amended 'The Rajasthan Excise and Temperance Policy 2025–29'. This amendment paves the way for extended operating hours for liquor shops across the state, with the Excise Commissioner authorized to permit outlets to operate until 10:00 PM.
Comparative Context with Neighbouring States
The timing issue places Rajasthan in a unique and disadvantageous position compared to its neighbours. Currently, Rajasthan stands as the only state where liquor shops are mandated to close at 8:00 PM. In contrast, all neighbouring states allow these establishments to remain open until at least 10:00 PM. This disparity not only affects vendor revenues but also potentially impacts state tax collections, highlighting the broader economic implications of the current policy and enforcement disputes.
