Delhi: Liquor stores on highways in municipal areas to re-open
What's the story
After five dry months, several liquor shops and bars in Delhi are set to resume businesses, thanks to Delhi Government's directions to deseal liquor vends within 500m of highways under municipal areas. The move, complying with a recent Supreme Court clarification, brings relief to most of the 100 outlets shut on 1 April; they would be allowed to apply for license renewal. Know more!
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Delhi Excise Department's directions
The order stated: "In view of the court's directions, the in-charge, along with the team, is directed to deseal liquor stores (falling in municipal areas) which were sealed in compliance with the Supreme Court order dated December 15, 2016, and March 31, 2017."
Excise Department
Liquor businesses in Delhi's three municipal areas to resume
The Excise Department order reiterated the purpose of the SC's Dec'16 order is to deal with liquor sale along and in proximity to highways. It added the directions do not prohibit licensed outlets within civic body areas. Senior Delhi Government officials said the excise department would deseal such outlets and the process has already started; 80-90% of the sealed businesses would get relief.
Supreme Court
Supreme Court's order on liquor sale alongside highways
In Dec'16, the Supreme Court issued prohibition orders to liquor outlets within 500m of state and national highways keeping in mind the large number of fatalities caused by drunk driving. Later in July, the SC allowed state governments to denotify those highways that pass through municipal limits. Issuing a clarification, the court said, "The order does not prohibit licensed establishments within municipal areas."