LUCKNOW, Dec. 14 -- The Uttar Pradesh excise department has decided that liquor shops across the state will remain open for an extra hour (till 11 pm) on select dates in view of Christmas and New Year. According to an order issued by the excise commissioner's office, the opening hours for the shops during Christmas on December 24 and 25 and New Year's celebrations on December 30 and 31 have been fixed from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Usually, liquor shops are allowed to remain open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Meanwhile, Lucknow district excise officer (DEO) Karunendra Singh said the department will launch a special enforcement drive to curb open drinking and public nuisance across Lucknow. Singh said the department has taken the decision to regulate liquor sales during peak festive days and prevent overcrowding. "Excise teams will intensify checks on city roads and public places to stop open drinking and maintain law and order," he said. The excise department will also carry out special checking drives at clubs and bars to ensure compliance with prescribed norms during the festive time. The department will pay special attention to Vibhuti Khand, a major nightlife zone with multiple clubs.htc...