Proposed liquor shop near school sparks protest in Whitefield

Bengaluru:

Residents of Whitefield’s ECC Road and Prithvi Layout organised a spontaneous flash protest on Sunday against plans to open a liquor shop in a predominantly residential area.

The demonstration, led by local volunteer group Whitefield Citizens Ward Committees, saw community members gather at short notice to voice concerns over public safety, noise, and the impact of alcohol sales in a neighbourhood with families and schools.

Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans opposing the proposed licence, emphasising that the locality is not suited to such a commercial outlet. 

Participants urged authorities to reconsider the plan, calling it “inappropriate” for an area already struggling with traffic congestion and lacking adequate civic infrastructure.

The group also tagged Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials and Karnataka’s Chief Minister via social media, appealing for intervention. 

No official statement has yet been released by the GBA or state government, and it remains unclear whether a formal licence application has been submitted for the proposed shop.

Local residents say they will escalate the issue at upcoming ward committee meetings if there is no satisfactory response.