ArriveSAFE – a hope for reducing road crashes

ArriveSAFE – a hope for reducing road crashes

Finally Punjab relents: Clears NHs of Liquor Vends, 386 liquor vends along NHs closed; 258 face closure

Ferozepur, November 19, 2015: The Excise & Taxation Commissioner, Punjab today submitted an affidavit in the Punjab & Haryana High Court that 386 liquor vends along NHs have been removed and the remaining 258 would be removed within a week.

The petitioner, Harman Singh Sidhu, President of ArriveSAFE, “We are apprehensive about the action taken as only the sale counters have been locked and the liquor stock remains inside these vends.” He said that their team would also keep an eye to ensure the order is implemented in letter and spirit. He further said this would go a long way in reducing the road crashes and the resulting fatalities.

The bench of Justice A.K.Mittal and Justice Manedra Jain in its order dated 16-11-2015 directed the Excise & Taxation Commissioner, Punjab to file an affidavit on 19-11-2015 stating no liquor vend is accessible or visible from the National Highways in Punjab.
In a letter dated 16-11-2015, the ETC, Punjab directed all DETCs of the seven divisions and AETCs of the districts to personally inspect all liquor vends in their jurisdiction and ensure that no liquor vends are operational on NHs; which are visible or accessible from the Highways. Today, the E.T.C., Punjab filed an affidavit in the Court through the AG, Punjab stating that 386 liquor vends along NHs have been closed and the remaining 258 would be inspected within a week and would be closed if found violating HC Orders dated 18-03-2014.

The AETC, Punjab has been appointed Nodal Officer to deal with any violation regarding visibility or accessibility on the NHs. The complaint can be sent to him at additionalcommissionerexcise@gmail.com and he has to dispose off the matter within seven days by passing a detailed speaking order. Further, the DETCs have been directed to visit all liquor vends once a month to ensure compliance. The next hearing is scheduled for 30-11-2015.

In the box (Affidavit & Circular attached)