Ranchi: The state government’s new product policy came into effect on Monday in Ranchi, with 150 liquor shops allocated through an e-lottery system. Out of these, licences and site verifications for 138 shops have been completed, and sales started from Monday. Remaining shops are expected to open soon.
Due to a delay in supply, liquor sales began only at 5 pm on the first day, yet shops saw a significant number of customers. Under the new policy, liquor shops will now remain open until 11 pm, an hour later than before, providing greater convenience to buyers.
Popular brands available include Kingfisher, Block Buster, Hunter, and Carlsberg beers, along with whisky brands like Royal Challenge, Royal Stag, Black Dog, Blenders Pride, 8 PM, B-7, and 100 Pipers. Despite a price increase, long queues formed as customers appreciated the wider brand availability and extended shopping hours.
Meanwhile, in Kanke, police busted a gang involved in theft of 35 lakh rupees from a locked house, arresting two skilled thieves.