Booze during polls only for top star class tourists

• The Excise Department hotline 1913 is open round the clock for public complaints and information regarding any instances of breach of the Excise Ordinance

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana

Sale of alcoholic beverages during the election weekend has been prohibited by order of the Excise Chief, except for the tourists residing in top star class hotels and boutique villas countrywide, the department announced yesterday.   

The Department of Excise issuing a special notice said all retail liquor selling places across the country have been ordered to remain shut during the day of the Presidential Election on Saturday, September 21st and Sunday, September 22nd.   

However, tourist hotels and boutique villas beyond the three star class range have been exempted from the above order and allowed to serve their residing guests and tourists during the said period, the notice read.   

Meanwhile, Excise Spokesperson Commissioner Channa Weerakkody stated that the Excise Department hotline 1913 is open round the clock for public complaints and information regarding any instances of breach of the Excise Ordinance.