No More Liquor Shops On Highways from April

Its bad news for all the merrymakers on the roads as the Supreme Court ordered against setting up liquor shops on highways from April 2017. Cracking the whip on the current situation, it also said that licenses of existing shops will not be renewed. 

Liquor shops must be at least 500 meters away from state and national highways, said a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur. The judges also ordered that liquor banners and ads be removed from these spots. The orders will have to be implemented by the Chief Secretary and police chiefs of states.

The Punjab government sought permission to allow liquor shops near or under elevated highways as the Apex Court replied, “Look at the number of licences you have given. Because the liquor lobby is so powerful, everyone is happy. The excise department is happy, the excise minister is happy and the state government is also happy that they are making money.”

“If a person dies due to this, you give Rs. 1 or 1.5 lakh. That is it. You should take a stand which is helpful for the society," it added, and made it clear that generating revenue cannot be cited as a ‘valid reason’ to allow liquor shops on highways.

Various petitions have recently been filed requesting a change in rules to ensure that alcohol is not sold on highways. The Supreme Court too pointed out at 1.5 lakh deaths every year in road accidents and expressed concern over this deadly number.