Surat: Daman administration has issued a fresh order prohibiting consumption of liquor in public places, including beaches in the Union territory for next couple of months. The order issued prior to New Year celebrations is going to affect tourists, who throng Daman in large numbers during the festive season.Daman is popular for its sun, sand and spirit among visitors from dry Gujarat. Thousands throng beaches in Daman during weekends to enjoy liquor in cool breeze. Tourists from Mumbai and Gujarat visit the Union territory for its wide range of liquor available at low prices. But for next couple of months, visitors found consuming liquor in public places may face legal action.The order has been issued by Sandeep Kumar Singh, collector of Daman, under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code. The order cites complaints about people consuming liquor at public places, littering and breaking glass bottles and indulging in alcohol-fuelled criminal activities and offensive conduct on the beaches throughout the district.“This is creating a situation whereby it is becoming difficult for citizens to pass through and many citizens of the district fear to take their families to the beach areas because of drunken and disorderly conduct of some people,” the order says.Consumption of liquor in open places like beaches, parking lots, streets and sidewalks has been prohibited in the order. The offenders will be booked under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).“Due to consumption of liquor in open places, accidents take place on road. This order will help improve the overall situation on the beaches where some people create disturbance,” Daman Hotel Owners’ Association president Gopal Tandel said.“It has come to my knowledge that people many times start consuming liquor on jetties, near sports ground and other public places. This creates disturbance sometimes. Those consuming liquor will be asked to stop by officials and if they don’t, they will face legal action,” Singh told TOI.

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