Kolkata: The West Bengal government has announced that no new licences will be issued for liquor shops located within one kilometre of schools, colleges, and temples in the state. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement during an administrative meeting on Tuesday, stating, "We have said there cannot be a liquor shop within a one-km radius of schools, colleges and temples. No licence can be given if shops fall within that area. This govt will be run in a different way."
Impact on Existing Businesses
Officials indicated that the new rule is expected to apply only to new licences and pending proposals, and will not affect existing liquor shops. An excise official said, "We think a circular will be issued soon. As far as we know, it would be for new licensing. It would also be applicable to pending proposals."
Background and Current Regulations
Sources revealed that a series of meetings between finance and excise officials were held at Nabanna on Tuesday, with the excise commissioner in attendance. Previously, the law mandated that liquor shops (both off shops and bars) could not be set up within 305 metres (1,000 feet) of schools, colleges, temples, mosques, churches, and other religious establishments. Earlier, the distance rule was 100 metres. There are approximately 6,000 liquor shops and bars in the state.
Sources indicated that around 3,500 existing liquor shops fall within 700-800 metres of such establishments. Before the 305-metre rule was introduced, at least 300-350 shops were within 100 metres of these entities, but they continue to operate as they were licenced under previous regulations.
Geographic and Economic Context
Most of the liquor shops located within 700-800 metres of schools, colleges, or temples are in Kolkata. The state's current excise revenue stands at Rs 22,000 crore, with the total liquor industry in West Bengal valued at Rs 32,000 crore.
