Close liquor shops near schools, places of worship - ACHC

The All Ceylon Hindu Congress has appealed to President Maithripala Sirisena to take steps to close all liquor shops and taverns which are in close proximity to places of worship, schools and other educational institutions.

In a letter to President Sirisena, President of the All Ceylon Hindu Congress, Kandiah Neelakandan said that in terms of a decision taken by the Council of Management of All Ceylon Hindu Congress on October 4, the Congress welcomed the announcement of the Minister of Finance to increase the excise duty on liquor and tobacco which will consequently increase the prices of liquor and cigarettes and discourage people consuming liquor and smoking.

Hailing the decision, the Congress appealed to the President to take steps to close all liquor shops, taverns which are in close proximity to the places of worship, schools and other educational institutions. It also urged that steps be taken to ensure that liquor cannot be purchased by students including University students.