Kolkata's Park Street Falls Silent as Early Liquor Ban Hits Ahead of Polls
Kolkata's iconic Park Street, typically bustling with evening crowds, turned unusually quiet on Monday as a pre-election liquor ban took effect, forcing bars and restaurants to close their doors days before the actual polling date. By late afternoon, establishments along the famous thoroughfare had prominently displayed 'Dry Day' or 'Bar Closed' posters, catching many regulars and visitors off guard.
Patrons Express Frustration Over Sudden Prohibition
Office-goers accustomed to stopping at their favorite Park Street joints for a post-work drink were left disappointed by what they described as a 'sudden' and premature ban. With Kolkata's polling scheduled for April 29—nine days away—many questioned the necessity of implementing restrictions so far in advance.
"We understand liquor shops must close one or two days before elections, and restaurants follow suit during that period," said Anik Kar, a finance firm executive. "But why impose this curb so many days ahead? It makes no sense." Kar and two colleagues arrived at Olypub only to find it closed indefinitely, a scene repeated across numerous venues.
Businesses and Staff Grapple with Unprecedented Impact
The early closure has dealt a significant blow to the hospitality sector on Park Street. Restaurant managers reported drastically reduced footfall on Monday, typically a slower day that became even quieter due to the ban. Iconic spots like Trincas, Bar-B-Q, Oasis, Mocambo, and Tung Fong saw minimal activity, with some having only a handful of customers.
"We received the notification in the late afternoon, and now all my restaurants are half-empty," lamented Charles Mantosh, owner of Waldorf and Floriana. "This sends a wrong picture for our city. I've never experienced anything like this before."
For staff members, the financial repercussions are severe. "While business owners suffer losses, people like us rely heavily on tips, which we'll likely miss for nine to ten days during this unusually long prohibition," explained a gatekeeper at one restaurant, highlighting the broader economic toll.
Confusion Over Timing and Rationale
Visitors with no intention of drinking were also puzzled by the early dry day. Manish Ranjan, who visited a restaurant with a friend, questioned the logic: "If this is to prevent alcohol-fueled violence, why implement it in Kolkata now when the first election phase is in the districts?"
Others, like Ketan Gaurav and Indrani Mondal, who traveled from Kalyani for work and planned to meet friends on Park Street, only learned of the prohibition upon arrival. "If there's a ban, we'll just meet over food instead," they said, adapting to the unexpected change.
The situation has sparked debates about the timing and necessity of such measures, with many calling for clearer communication and more reasonable implementation to balance election security with economic and social considerations.
