Jaipur: Traders at the city’s Chandpole market have intensified their opposition to a liquor shop, warning of a complete market shutdown on Dec 31 if the authorities fail to act swiftly. The controversy surrounding this liquor outlet has sparked unrest among local businessmen and residents alike, due to its proximity to numerous religious sites.Previously located at Shop No-2 on the corner of Govind Rao Ji Ka Rasta in Chandpole Bazaar, the liquor shop was sealed by the excise department in July following strong opposition from traders, who raised concerns over its closeness to several temples and religious establishments. The outlet was, however, controversially reopened in Sept at Shop No-145, which is even closer to a cluster of nearly 24 temples and religious sites, escalating tensions further. In a bid to resolve the issue, a joint delegation from the Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh and the Chandpole Bazaar Vyapar Mandal met with urban development and housing (UDH) minister Jhabar Singh Kharra Monday, presenting a memorandum that firmly opposes the liquor shop’s presence in the area. During the meeting, the traders expressed their concerns for public safety and the dignity of women in their community, emphasising that the liquor shop undermines the respect and reputation of their market. Subhash Goyal, president of the Chandpole Bazaar Vyapar Mandal, explained the traders’ stance: “We are fighting for the safety and dignity of our women and daughters. The liquor shop is damaging the respect and reputation of our market. If it is to be opened at all, it should be shifted to a location where people do not object. The rules clearly state that liquor shops should not be allowed near religious places.” Ghan Shyam Bhootda, general secretary of the Chandpole Bazaar Vyapar Mandal, cited rising safety concerns, including a recent incident where the brass dome of a Shiva temple located directly opposite the liquor shop was stolen. Bhootda said, “Such incidents have deeply hurt us and raised serious concerns about security in the area.”
