The National Capital District Commission has imposed a city-wide liquor ban in NCD beginning this Friday for the duration of the long Easter weekend.
As per an NCDC public notice, City Manager Ravu Frank advised the liquor ban ends after Easter Monday, April 1st, with normal business operations resuming on Tuesday, April 2nd.
Licensed premises and permit holders affected by the ban include bottle shops, alcohol dealers, taverns, and public bars in Limited Hotels, while those exempted from the ban include restaurants, where liquor is taken as part of the meal by diners and guests, restricted (VIP) club members and their guests.
Mr Frank also warned operators that (police) surveillance operations will be carried out during this period, and those found defying the ban will be dealt with accordingly.
Meantime, police will ensure strict enforcement, with the public urged to comply for a peaceful Easter period in the city.
Outgoing NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika stressed the importance of liquor stores adhering to the ban, as police gear up for the Easter operations from Friday, March 29th to Monday, April 1st.
Met. Supt. Sika has already met with zone commanders, police station heads, and divisional officers to further strategize for the upcoming weekend, with NCD police directed to conduct surveillance in crime hotspots.
He said when people are not busy, they resort to consuming alcohol, which can lead to crime escalation.