Public Outcry Over Liquor Shop in Municipal Building; Protest Erupts at Khalini Chowk

Shimla, April 24 – A major controversy has erupted in the state capital after a liquor shop was opened in a municipal corporation building at Khalini Chowk. Local residents staged a strong protest on Wednesday, demanding its immediate closure.

The building already houses essential public services, including a Primary Health Centre, an Anganwadi, and a Senior Citizens’ Facilitation Centre. The decision to open a liquor outlet in the same premises has sparked outrage among the community.

Former councillor from the Khalini ward, Puran Chand, criticized the move, calling it a “publicly insensitive decision driven by revenue motives.” “The government seems more focused on profit than people’s welfare. Overnight, they opened a liquor store in a building meant for public service, while other essential development works are routinely ignored due to a ‘lack of funds,’” he said.

He further pointed out that an existing liquor shop already operates just a short distance away in the local market. “Opening another one in such close proximity—and that too inside a building offering health and senior services—defies logic. This decision must be reconsidered, and the outlet relocated immediately,” Chand added.