It is time to plan election weekend in the pub capital of Bengaluru after it was confirmed that the city will go dry for two days starting from 6pm on April 16 to 6pm on April 18 on account of the Lok Sabha elections.
Bengaluru is set to vote in three constituencies - Bengaluru (Central), Bengaluru (South), Bengaluru (North) on April 18. The sale of liquor has also been suspended for two days starting from April 16 to April 18 and for the full day on May 23, due to counting of votes.
"A 5-km radius of no-sale-of-liquor zone will be enforced if the adjoining areas do not go for voting and this will also extend to the other state if the borders come within a 5-km radius,” said Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner speaking to Deccan Herald.
Bars in the city are gearing up for high sales of alcohol in the coming week and are wary of alcohol being used to lure voters.
Establishments selling liquor have already come under the scrutiny of police and excise department ahead of the elections.
As per a report by The New Indian Express, the Excise Department has raided more than 4,000 establishments in Bengaluru since March 10 and has registered 18 cases, which is higher than the number of cases registered in January and February combined.