Dry day rule dampens revelry mood on coast

Dry day on December 31 has marred the plans of many in Mangalore.

A government order that pronounced the centres will go dry on December 30 and 31 has dampened the spirits of many New Year revellers, thanks to the two-day zilla and taluk panchayat elections in the district.

However, the deputy commissioner’s order had a silver lining: The liquor ban will be lifted after 8.30 pm on December 31.

People, however, are not happy with that arrangement. “But that’s not going to help. Who will go shopping for liquor at 8.30 pm? The liquor shops will be awfully crowded and there could be a stampede too.

The liquor dealers might even try to make a fast buck by selling spurious liquor at a higher price,” cried a disappointed group of revellers.

“Elections come and go. Some land grabber or a corrupt politician will take his chair and exploit us. Why should our New Year celebrations be on low key for these bunch of jokers?” they questioned.

Although Mangalore city does not have any ZP or TP constituencies, both days will be dry, said deputy commissioner Subodh Yadav.

This was confirmed by the deputy commissioners of Udupi and Uttara Kannada Hemalatha and Krishnaiah,  respectively.

The Catholic community, which has a large presence in Mangalore and other coastal districts, is not happy with the ban.

“Liquor is an inevitable part or our New Year celebrations. Many Christians who come from the Gulf and US to be with their families will consume liquor,” said Ivan D’Souza, a prominent Christian leader.