Supreme Court clarifies ban on liquor sale on highways does not apply in city, town areas

The Supreme Court on Wednesday made it clear that the ban on liquor shops and bars within 500m of highways is only applicable to place which doesn’t fall inside city or town areas governed by municipal bodies.

The clarification has cleared many misconceptions about the December 15 order to ban on liquor shops and bars within 500 m distance of highways.

Now, excise department will start re-issuing the licenses to liquor shops and bars that fall in city or town areas governed by municipal bodies.

“The purpose of the directions contained in the order dated 15 December 2016 is to deal with the sale of liquor along and in proximity of highways properly understood, which provide connectivity between cities, towns and villages. The order does not prohibit licenced establishments within municipal areas. This clarification shall govern other municipal areas as well,” said Chief Justice of India JS Khehar.