2024-03-12 10:43:14
Lucknow: The image of liquor vends in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, will change. Women will be seen sitting on one-third contracts. This will help in curbing irregularities around contracts. A big decision has been taken to change the situation in liquor vends in the city of Nawabs. Just like whiskey is not a drink only for men, similarly liquor business is also not for men only, this statement is going to be proved in Lucknow. In fact, out of 1046 liquor shops in Lucknow in the financial year 2024-25, 370 have been allotted to women entrepreneurs. From April 1, women shop owners will take over more than a third of the business, which in the past has been largely dominated by men.
Officials said the total participation of women in Lucknow has increased by 7 percent compared to last year. This time more shops have been occupied by women. Although no special incentives or relaxations are given to women, the upward trend shows that women are no longer hesitating to enter into the liquor business. Lucknow District Excise Officer Rakesh Singh said that out of the total licenses issued for the next financial year, 35 percent have been obtained by women entrepreneurs. As the number of women applicants is increasing in the last three years, their participation is also increasing in the same proportion.
What do female license holders say?
Most of the interest among women is in IMFL liquor shops, which deal in whiskey, vodka, rum, gin and wine. After that come the beer shops. Sushila Jaiswal, owner of a licensed beer shop in Hazratganj, said managing retail stores is not difficult as technology tools are available for close monitoring. CCTV cameras along with sound system will be installed at the shop. I will monitor the business. Also, the liquor business has become stronger and more transparent in the last five years.
Meanwhile, out of total 1046 shops in Lucknow, only five country liquor shops and two model shops are left. The remaining 1,039 shops have been allotted. Rakesh Singh said that the rest are also being put up for auction soon.