The second District Assembly of Kalikot on Tuesday decided to declare the district as an “alcohol-free zone”.

Authorities in the district reckon that alcohol abuse is the main cause of domestic violence and crimes, and by banning liquors they can bring social order and harmony.

“Peaceful environment has been disrupted because of alcohol consumption. So we have decided to declare Kalikot an alcohol-free zone,” said Netraraj Shahi, a member of the District Coordination Committee (DCC).

However, this is not the first time the district authorities have tried to prohibit sale and consumption of liquor.

Twenty-five years ago, the then District Council had declared a similar prohibition, only to lift it years later.

It remains to be seen if the latest decision is going to succeed. Meanwhile, small-time shopkeepers and tavern owners have voiced their reservations over the ban.

“The ban cannot be implemented. There are many business establishments here that sell liquors and pay taxes to the government from the money they earn out of it,” said Chairman of Kalikot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Surya Bahadur Shahi.

Chief of the DCC Anipal Shahi said that they decided to ban alcohol after discussing with people’s representatives of various local units.

“The decision has been made after discussing about the affects of alcohol abuse on an individual’s health, their family and the society. All concerned stakeholders should make effort to implement this decision,” he said.