Poll tempo on a high, alcohol sales under EC watch

Kolkata: More is merrier for Kolkata's nightclubs, but not in election season.
The party addresses in the city are keeping a close eye on their bars as any abnormal surge in sales will attract the attention of the Election Commission, which has instructed all the nightclubs, pubs, bars and off shops in the city to file a daily sales report of their inventory.Along with the report, the owners have also been instructed to file the sales figure for the corresponding day the previous year.
An official in the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) confirmed that the commission was keeping a close eye on the sale of alcohol in the build up to the assembly election. The sales figures in a particular area will help the commission understand the alcohol consumption in a particular neighbourhood.
"Many political parties use liquor to lure voters which is illegal. Parties also use it as an incentive for their workers which can lead to law and order problems. This is the reason we are monitoring the sale of alcohol through all possible outlets," said the official.
The poll panel would monitor the sale of alcohol during previous elections too, but bars and nightclubs have been new inclusions on the checklist. "The reason is the proliferation and accessibility of these party addresses. Almost every neighbourhood in the city has lounge bars and pubs catering to local residents. In order to escape the attention of the EC, a candidate may organise a party in a local pub for his workers or a group of voters. This is the reason pubs, lounge bars and nightclubs have also been included," said the manager of a lounge bar on Diamond Harbour Road.
The nightclubs, lounge bars and pubs have been filing the sales report everyday and either uploading those online or submitting physical copies. According to Kolkata Bar Owners' Association, there are close to 120 pubs, lounge bars and nightclubs in the city.
"Currently, the officials are just monitoring the sales report. But if they notice any abnormal surge in the sales of any of the outlets they may seek an explanation. If it is a private party, they may seek the details of the host," said the owner of a nightclub in Salt Lake's Sector V.
But owners of nightclubs and pubs need not worry, assure the officials. "The sale surges on special days like India Pakistan T20 match or for Holi or for a private party. We will factor in all these reasons," said an official.