DW BUREAU / shimla Commissioner State Taxes and Excise, Yunus said here today that in view of the assembly elections the sale of liquor has been banned in the entire state. Officers of the department are keeping a close watch on suspicious activities and other premises to stop the supply of liquor for free and fair elections in Himachal Pradesh. He said all the collectors, area in-charges and enforcement in-charges and district nodal in-charges of the department are inspecting each licensee premises and suspicious places during the dry day throughout the state. The dry day orders and instructions issued by the Election Commission are being followed strictly. He said the District Solan team led by Collector Excise South Zone has sealed the wine shop premises in Subathu by taking strict action against keeping the shop open on dry days and further action is being taken. He warned that if any licensee is found to be involved in any suspicious activities, then his license would be canceled with immediate effect. He said that there would be a complete ban on the sale of liquor for 48 hours during the elections. There will be a complete ban on the sale of liquor in all types of liquor license premises, wholesalers, domestic and English retail shops, bars, beer bars, wine shops etc. till 5 pm on the polling day on 12th November, 2022. If any liquor shop remains open during this period, strict action would be taken against it as per rules. Campaign is going on in the state against illicit liquor and consumer goods which can affect the election process. He said that on the borders of the state, the teams of the department are doing a thorough investigation of all the vehicles. The department is taking strict action against the people dealing in illegal liquor business by setting up nakas in border areas and routes. He said that all the District Nodal Officers have been asked to coordinate with the Nodal Officers of the adjoining State and shall also ensure that no liquor of any kind is consumed or sold within a radius of 3 km of the polling areas. (editor@dailyworld.in)