54. Power to close shops for the sake of public peace.
(1)The District Magistrate or sub-Divisional Magistrate by notice in writing to the licensee; may require that any shop in which any intoxicant is sold shall be closed at such times or for such period as he may think necessary for the preservation of the public peace.(2)If a riot or unlawful assembly is apprehended or occurs in the vicinity of any such shop, [an Executive Magistrate] [Substituted for the words 'a magistrate' by Punjab Act No. 25 of 1964.] of any class may require such shop to be kept closed for such period as he may think necessary :Provided that where any such riot or unlawful assembly occurs the licensee shall, in the absence of, a Magistrate, close his shop without any order.(3)When any sub-Divisional Magistrate makes a direction under sub-section (1) or [any Executive Magistrate] [Substituted for the words 'a magistrate' by the Punjab Act No. 25 of 1964.] makes a direction under sub-section (2) he shall forthwith inform the Collector of his action and his reasons thereof.
