Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 23: Mr. Angshuman Roy, State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, has submitted a formal letter to the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, urging the Administration to issue strict advisories to bars, clubs, restaurants and other alcohol-serving establishments to prevent incidents of drunk driving across the Union Territory.
In his representation, Mr. Roy highlighted a recent initiative by the Gurugram Police, which invoked Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to direct bars and pubs to ensure patrons do not drive under the influence of alcohol. Establishments there have been asked to arrange safe transportation such as taxis for heavily intoxicated customers and to place prominent warning signs in parking areas. Non-compliance attracts strict action.
Mr. Roy noted that with increasing tourist inflow and expanding nightlife in Sri Vijayapuram, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), similar measures are urgently needed in the Islands to enhance public safety. He suggested compulsory warning boards, staff sensitisation, coordination with police, and mandatory facilitation of safe transport for patrons unable to drive.
He stated that such steps would promote responsible behaviour among nightlife establishments and strengthen public confidence in the Administration’s proactive safety measures. Roy requested the Lieutenant Governor to issue suitable directions under the appropriate legal framework to prevent intoxicated individuals from driving after leaving licensed premises.
