In what will bring some clarity on the issue of the highway liquor ban, the Supreme Court recently clarified that its ban on the sale of liquor within 500 metres of highways is not applicable to licensed bars and outlets falling within municipal limits. The Hon’ble Supreme Court on August 23, 2017 clarified, “The purpose of the directions contained in the order dated 15 December 2016 is to deal with the sale of liquor along and in the proximity of highways properly understood, which provides 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,” a bench, comprising Chief Justice of India JS Khehar and Justices DY Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao said.

With this order, the industry expects 85% of the bars and restaurants to start business. “Now licenses will be renewed and in another two to four weeks the industry will settle down and get back to business,” said Riyaz Amlani, president of National Restaurant Association of India. He added that between April -when the ban was implemented – and now, the hospitality industry has lost more than Rs 1000 crore worth of business.