LUCKNOW, March 9 -- Public drinking outside model and composite liquor shops during night hours continues unabated across several areas of the state capital, highlighting lapses in enforcement by the state excise department and inconsistent monitoring by other authorities.

A ground visit by Hindustan Times on Friday and Saturday across multiple locations found people openly consuming alcohol on roadsides and in public spaces near liquor outlets despite clear rules prohibiting public drinking.

The inspection revealed that areas outside several liquor shops have effectively turned into roadside drinking spots, while nearby open spaces have become informal drinking zones. In many cases, groups of people stood with glasses and beer bottles ...