With the rising cost of alcohol and additional charges at bars, a concerning trend has emerged in the city, where residents are increasingly consuming liquor on streets, particularly at night. Commonly observed near egg stalls and roadside eateries, this practice has turned public spaces into makeshift bars, raising serious safety and nuisance concerns.
Despite the clear illegality of drinking in public spaces, police inaction has seemingly emboldened offenders, leading to a proliferation of such gatherings across key areas of the city:
- Canal Road, Ramdaspeth: Poor lighting along the canal wall creates a haven for rampant alcohol consumption.
- Bajaj Nagar Square: Late-night drinkers frequent egg stalls, carrying disposable glasses and water bottles after purchasing liquor from nearby stores.
- Trimurti Nagar: Shockingly, groups openly consume alcohol directly across from the Rana Pratap Nagar police station.
- Chhatrapati Square: Empty glasses and water bottles litter secluded alleys, a stark reminder of unchecked public drinking.
- Ring Road: Closed storefronts along footpaths become gathering spots for groups drinking after liquor store purchases.
The issue extends beyond public spaces, as individuals are increasingly using their vehicles as private drinking spots. With tinted windows and locked doors, offenders evade detection, further complicating enforcement.
The trend of public drinking previously surged during elections, with political workers frequenting dhabas to unwind after campaign activities. While such gatherings have decreased post-elections, regular street drinking has worsened, with offenders returning to their usual spots.
Under the law, drinking in public spaces or driving under the influence is a punishable offense. However, the apparent lack of police action has allowed this illegal activity to thrive. Public outcry is growing as the city grapples with the consequences of these “open bars,” demanding stricter enforcement and better lighting in vulnerable areas to curb this escalating issue.