Opposition BJP and Congress on Tuesday criticized Odisha governments decision to allow sale of liquor on the eve of new year till 1 am.
A notification of Excise department said : "Government ... in exercise of powers conferred ... have been pleased to relax the selling hour for IMFL 'ON' shops and bars operating in Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, and Puri Municipality areas on the eve of December 31, 2019 night (New Year Eve) up to 1 am of 01.01.2020 in public interest."
Congress MLA S S Saluja said: "Opening liquor shops till late in the night will certainly encourage people to drink more alcohol. The officials who took this decision should be taken to task if anyone dies of accident by consuming alcohol."