Gujarat government has brought in changes in the trading hours of the permitted liquor shops in the state starting November 6.
As per the revised schedule, these shops will operate between 10.30 AM to 6.10 PM instead of the earlier 12 noon to 8 PM.
A circular to this effect was issued on October 30 by S L Amrani, Director of Prohibition and Excise Department.
It said that these changes in the time were made following directions by the state Home Department last month.
The circular stated that the government decided to make changes in the existing trading time of these shops after an oral representation made by some women employees of the Prohibition Department, who are posted in these shops as part of their duties.
The circular stated that out of the total number of employees in the Prohibition Department, 33 per cent are women who find it difficult to work in these shops between 12 noon and 8 PM. "That is why changes have been made in the operation time of these shops," it said.
However, this move has been opposed by many including the permit holders, liquor shops owners, NRIs, foreigners, trading and business community and those connected with tourism business in Gujarat. They have demanded the existing schedule be continued.
"Government should know that the shops are meant for the customers and not for a suitability of a section of women employees. There are many establishments like shops, business houses, hotels and malls, where a large number of women continue to work till around 10 PM," a permit holder pointed out.
A liquor shop owner said that the sudden changes in the shop time would affect their business.
Though the sale and consumption of liquor has been prohibited in Gujarat, the state government issues permits to some individuals for its consumption on medical grounds.
