Srinagar, Publish Date: Nov 3 2017
After widespread outrage, Airports Authority of India (AAI) today cancelled the tender for duty paid liquor shop at Srinagar International Airport. The announcement came after the state’s Excise department refused permission for opening of the liquor shop at the airport.
In a statement issued to news agency the AAI said that “it is observed through media/social media that a section of society is against having duty paid liquor shop at Srinagar International Airport and honouring local sentiments, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to cancel the tender process of duty paid liquor shop with immediate effect”.
AAI believes and works towards better facilities for its passengers and endeavors to cater for more and more passenger friendly good initiatives towards customer satisfaction, the statement said.
It is hoped that with this communication all controversies arising out will be placed at rest,” the AAI statement concluded.
Pertinently, a report by Asia Times had said that the AAI has floated tenders for a liquor shop at Sheikh-ul-Aalam International Airport Srinagar too “boost” tourism in Kashmir.
Earlier, the Excise department has said that it won’t grant license for opening of the liquor shop at airport.
Ina letter to Director Airport Authority of India, the excise commissioner has intimated that no permission shall be granted for opening of liquor shop at Airport in violation to the provisions of J&K Excise Act, 1958 and liquor License and state rules 1984.
“It is further intimated that opening of liquor vendor/ shop at the airport Srinagar will not be allowed/permitted as such you may stop the process for any such proposal as the Excise Department will not grant the license required for opening f liquor vend/shop at International Airport Srinagar”, reads the letter.
