A liquor vendor in Chandigarh has been arrested after a video went viral showing him serving alcohol mixed in ice golas during the intense summer heatwave. The shocking and illegal practice, which came to light in May 2026, has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about public safety and rule-breaking by street vendors.
The vendor was reportedly offering regular ice golas as well as “special” versions laced with liquor to customers looking for a chilled, intoxicating refreshment in the scorching heat. The video, which showed people enjoying the spiked golas, quickly spread on social media and prompted immediate police action.
What the Viral Video Revealed
In the footage:
- The vendor is seen preparing ice golas and discreetly adding alcohol to some of them.
- Customers, mostly young people, are shown consuming the treat without realising (or fully realising) its alcoholic content.
- The golas were being sold at a premium during the heatwave when demand for cooling drinks was extremely high.
Acting on a tip-off and after the video surfaced, Chandigarh Police raided the stall, arrested the vendor, and seized the remaining stock. He has been booked under relevant sections of the Excise Act for selling alcohol without a licence and endangering public health.
Public Reaction: Shock and Anger
The incident has triggered strong condemnation online:
- “Mixing alcohol in ice golas that kids also eat? Extremely dangerous and irresponsible.”
- “This is why strict checks on street vendors are needed during summer.”
- “Creative but completely illegal and harmful. Good that he was arrested.”
- “Parents must be extra careful about what their children are eating from street stalls.”
Health experts have warned that disguising alcohol in sweet, chilled treats can lead to overconsumption, especially among teenagers and young adults who may not detect the alcohol content immediately. This increases the risks of alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, and accidents.
Broader Concern: Summer Street Food Violations
Every summer, as temperatures soar, some street vendors resort to innovative but illegal methods to boost sales. While most follow rules, cases like this highlight the need for stricter monitoring of popular summer items such as golas, sherbets, and cold drinks.The
Chandigarh Administration has announced increased surprise checks on street food vendors during the ongoing heatwave. Authorities are also urging citizens to report any suspicious activities involving alcohol or adulteration in food items.
Police and Administration Action
The police have warned all vendors against such malpractices and said strict action will be taken in future cases. They have also appealed to the public to buy food and drinks only from trusted and licensed sources.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unregulated street food experiments, especially when they involve alcohol.
