In Maharashtra 3,000 liquor shops to get relief

The new guidelines of the state excise department would give relief to approximate 3,000 plus liquor shops falling in areas of Gram Panchayats (villages) in the stretches of state and national highways.

Following the SC verdict over 15,000 liquor shops falling within the 500 meter radius of national, state highways and service roads  in the state were affected. However, the apex court in April 2017 relaxed the scope of its verdict and allowed liquor shops alongside highways in municipal areas, while in February 2018, gave a relief to Gram Panchayats as well.

The state excise department issued a circular on March 31, asking all collectors, except Wardha, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur where liquor has been already ban, to renew licenses of those shops who fulfill one of the following mentioned four conditions: The villages alongside highway having over 5,000 populous or those who have been developed as Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) or has been declared as a state, national or international tourist place or the state government has sanctioned the development plan of a village, are liable to renew their liquor license.