Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 24: In what could be a major relief to the liquor and hospitality industry, the Supreme Court on Wednesday clarified that the ban on sale of alcohol within 500 meters of state and national highways does not apply within municipal limits.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India JS Khehar and Justices DY Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao, had said on July 11, "The purpose of the directions contained in the order dated 15 December 2016 is to deal with the sale of liquor along and in proximity of highways properly understood, which provide connectivity between cities, towns and villages. The order does not prohibit licensed establishments within municipal areas. This clarification shall govern other municipal areas as well”.

“We have considered it appropriate to issue this clarification to set at rest any ambiguity,” the court said. The July 11 order was posted on the apex court website only on Wednesday.

This move will enable liquor vendors to renew licenses and restart the business. More than 85% of the bars and restaurants are expected to start business, says Riyaz Amlani, president of National Restaurant Association of India.

“The hospitality industry has lost more than Rs 1000 crore worth of business from April (ban implementation) to now,” Amlani informs.