Deputy Commissioner Mr T Benith has directed the health department to check sale of energy drinks around the schools upto 100 m in urban areas and 50 m in rural areas. Deputy Commissioner Barnala Mr T Benith said while presiding over quarterly meeting convened to roll out joint action plan on prevention of drugs and substance abuse among children.
He added that all kinds of shop owners should be sensitized to not sell energy drinks to children below 18 years of age. He said that sale of liquor to people below 25 years of age is strictly prohibited. Owners of all liquor shops should ensure that government rules regarding this are complied with.
There are 178 liquor vends in the district and all have been directed to follow the rules. He also directed excise department and police to ensure that drinking doesn’t go on in public.
The liquor consumers should be asked to consume liquor either at taverns or at their homes. Drinking in public is not allowed and shall attract action as per law. Prominent among others present at meeting included Neeraj Kumar from Education Department, Dr Lipsy Modi psychiatrist from health department, Gagandeep Kaur from police department, Gurdeep Singh drug inspector and Gurjeet Kaur District Child Protection Officer.