LUCKNOW, May 25 -- Despite action by the excise department following a Hindustan Times investigation over two weeks ago, composite liquor shops in Lucknow continue to operate illegal drinking spaces. A recent ground check by HT revealed bar-like facilities yet again at multiple locations, including Lalbagh, Lalkuan and Ballu Adda areas just a few kilometres from excise offices and police stations. A composite shop in Lalbagh was found to have created a separate adjacent space where customers were openly seen consuming alcohol. The space lacked any licence or permission, yet provided seating and access for on-site drinking, in clear violation of excise rules. A similar setup was found in Lalkuan, where customers were seen drinking openly in a lane next to a composite liquor outlet. At Ballu Adda, a composite shop owner had placed a curtain to hide customers drinking beer. "Officials pass by daily, but no one stops these setups. Everyone in the area knows what's happening," a local resident complained. On May 8, HT published a report exposing illegal seating arrangements inside composite shops in the Shahnajaf Road area. Following the report, the excise department conducted inspections on May 8 and 9, confirming violations at several shops. A shop in the Shahnajaf Road area was found to have made seating arrangements, directly contravening rules under the UP Excise Act, 1910. However, no lasting crackdown has followed. There are around 400 composite liquor shops in Lucknow licensed to sell sealed bottles of foreign liquor and beer for takeaway only. However, many shop allottees have converted these outlets into bar-like facilities to boost profits, while enforcement officials have largely turned a blind eye. When contacted, district excise officer Karunendra Singh said, "Composite shops are not authorised to allow consumption of alcohol on the premises. Only model shops and country liquor shops can do so after paying an annual consumption fee." He added that violators could be fined a minimum of Rs 2,000 under Section 60 of the UP-Excise Act. However, a model shop allottee requesting anonymity said excise teams should have carried out checks soon after allotment. "Many shops have illegal serving facilities on offer. This affects our business as we follow all rules and pay consumption fees," he added. Residents and business insiders allege such operations flourish because of tacit support from local authorities. "Without officials' knowledge or support, these setups can't function for long, especially in VIP areas like Lalbagh or Lalkuan," a resident said. Sources told HT that several composite shops across the city are indulging in similar violations, but the excise department had taken negligible action....