Move comes after SC clarification on liquor sale ban

The Delhi government has ordered the de-sealing of liquor shops and bars along highways in municipal areas across the city following the Supreme Court’s clarification on the issue.

The SC had in December last year banned the sale of liquor within 500 metres of State and national highways across India from April 1 this year. It, however, recently clarified that the ban did not apply to establishments located within municipal areas.

Purpose of order

The Excise Department has directed the officers concerned to de-seal such establishments. “It is directed to de-seal liquor stores, falling in municipal areas, which were sealed in compliance of the Supreme Court order dated December 15, 2016 and March 31, 2017,” the department said in its order.

The three municipal areas cover most parts of the city.

The Excise Department order reiterated a part of the apex court direction that said: “The purpose of the directions contained in the order dated December 15, 2016 is to deal with the sale of liquor in proximity of highways.

“The order does not prohibit licensed establishments within municipal areas. This clarification shall govern other municipal areas as well,” it stated.