Adil Lateef
Srinagar, Nov 3: Airports Authority of India (AAI) today cancelled tender process for setting up a liquor shop at Srinagar International Airport after State’s Excise Department snubbed it by refusing permission amid widespread opposition from vast sections of the society. Click here to watch video
The AAI, in a bid to woo tourists, had floated tenders for the liquor shop at Srinagar’s Sheikh-ul-Aalam International Airport. The booze outlet was scheduled to operate from January 1 next year. However the AAI’s move did not go well with the people and large section of society denounced setting up of liquor outlet at Srinagar Airport and also registered protest with the Government. The Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department also refused to grant permission for the liquor outlet.
Facing heat from socio-political-religious outfits, the AAI finally dropped the proposal and announced cancellation of the tendering process to what it said honouring local sentiments. “It is observed through media/social media that a section of society is against having duty paid liquor shop at Srinagar International Airport and honouring local sentiments, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to cancel the tender process of duty paid liquor shop with immediate effect,” a statement issued by the AAI today said.
Earlier today, in a letter addressed to Director, Airports Authority of India, the Excise Commissioner Muhammad Javed Khan has intimated that no permission shall be granted for opening of liquor shop at Airport.
“It is further intimated that opening of liquor vendor/ shop at the Airport Srinagar will not be allowed/permitted as such you may stop the process for any such proposal as the Excise Department will not grant the license required for opening f liquor vend/shop at International Airport Srinagar,” the letter addressed to the Director, AAI reads.
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