SC clarifies on distance of liquor shops

The Supreme Court recently tackled the issue of the distance of liquor shop establishments near religious and educational sites, aiming to clear up confusion stemming from conflicting directives since December 2016. The Supreme Court addressed this irregularity and cited the 500 meter-limit as the guideline for liquor shops from educational institutions and religious sites.

In its order dated 29th January 2024, the bench headed by Chief Justice referenced a judgment from 20th March 2023, which prohibited liquor shops within 500 meters of national or state highways, or their service lanes. Subsequent orders modified this distance to 220 meters for towns with population under 20,000.

Later, the court's March 2023 ruling mandated the relocation of liquor shops to within 150 meters of religious and educational institutions, despite conflicting with its own 2016 directive in the K Balu case.

Despite previous rulings allowing local authorities to determine appropriate distances, the apex court upheld a 500-meter buffer zone, while referencing its March 2023 judgment. This decision, while conflicting with past directives, provides clarity on the matter.

Advocates representing liquor shop owners argued against strict distance regulations, noting their disproportionate impact on small areas like Puducherry