Delhi: 360 arrested in three weeks for consuming alcohol in public places

New Delhi: As many as 360 people have been arrested in three weeks by the Delhi government's Excise Department during the ongoing drive against consumption of liquor in public places.

The drive was launched on November 7 and action has been taken against the violators under Section 40 of the Delhi Excise Act and they are handed over to Delhi Police for further action as per law.

"Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Manish Sisodia had earlier this month announced a three-fold action plan for crackdown on illegal consumption of liquor in the open," an official said.

Prior to the launch of the drive, a week-long awareness campaign was held in this regard.

"Anyone caught drinking publicly will now have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 and anyone creating nuisance in public will be fined Rs 10,000 and face arrest," the official said.

Sisodia has earlier said that the intention of the government is not to put people behind bars but to reform them and curb the menace which is taking a toll on families and to ensure the safety of women.