The Society for the Welfare of West Bengal Foreign Liquor Licenses has emphasized the need for stronger enforcement measures to curb the manufacture, distribution, and sale of illicit liquor in the state. Addressing a gathering on Sunday, the society urged the state government to consider comprehensive reforms in the liquor trade, including the rationalization of trade margins to align with rising operational, compliance, and business costs.
Key Demands for Reform
The society has called for decentralization and streamlining of licensing and administrative processes to enhance efficiency and minimize procedural delays. These reforms are seen as essential to ensure a transparent and effective regulatory framework for the liquor trade in West Bengal.
New Policy Announcement
The event followed the recent announcement of a new policy by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, which stipulates that no new liquor licenses will be issued to establishments located within one kilometer of schools, colleges, or places of religious worship. This policy aims to address concerns about the proximity of liquor outlets to sensitive institutions.
During the meeting, attended by representatives of the society and over 1,000 licensed foreign liquor retailers, it was clarified that the new policy does not affect existing licenses. Retailers currently operating will continue their businesses without interruption, as their licenses were issued under the previous directive that required a minimum distance of 300 meters from educational or religious establishments.
The society expressed support for the government's efforts to regulate the sector but stressed the importance of robust enforcement to combat the persistent problem of illicit liquor, which poses significant health and safety risks to the public.
