20. Closing of shops for preservation of public peace.
(1)The District Magistrate may, by notice in writing to the [licensee/lease holder] [Substituted 'licensee' by Act No. 1 of 2010, dated 19.4.2010.], require that any [shop/bar] [Substituted 'shop' by Act No. 1 of 2010, dated 19.4.2010.] in which any intoxicant is sold shall be closed at such times or for such period as he may think necessary for preservation of the peace.Explanation. - For the purposes of this section the expression 'District Magistrate' includes the Additional District Magistrate or any other person empowered to exercise the powers of District Magistrate.(2)If any riot or any unlawful assembly is apprehended or occurs in the vicinity of any such [shop/bar] [Substituted 'shop' by Act No. 1 of 2010, dated 19.4.2010.] any Magistrate of the first or second class may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, require such [shop/bar] [Substituted 'shop' by Act No. 1 of 2010, dated 19.4.2010.] to be kept closed for such reasonable period as he may think necessary.(3)[ The licensee/lease holder shall not, on account of closure of the shop/bar under this section, be entitled to any compensation or refund of licence fee or lease amount.] [Substituted by Act No. 1 of 2010, dated 19.4.2010.]
