PUNE: Following a liquor ban in December, with the latest order concerning the liquor selling establishments located within the city limits, the restaurateurs in the city feel that things will change for better. Referring to Supreme Court’s judgement on July 11, the members of Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association (PRAHA) will be meeting State Excise Superintendent Mohan Varde.
Ganesh Shetty, President, PRAHA told Sakal Times that the SC judgement clearly states that the December 15 order banning the sale of liquor in near proximity of highways is not applicable to licensed establishments within the municipal area.
Shetty said that 254 out of 284 restaurants within the city limits have stopped serving liquor after the SC order. “The order clearly states that there is no need of de-notifying the stretches of highways which are being maintained by municipal bodies. PRAHA would request State Excise Department to grant permission to permit rooms located within city limits to operate,” he said.
The Supreme Court bench recently dismissed the special leave petition filed by Chandigarh-based NGO and ordered that “the purpose of the directions contained in the order dated December 15, 2016, is to deal with the sale of liquor along and in the proximity of highways which provide connectivity between cities, towns and villages.”
The order stated that it does not prohibit licensed establishments within municipal areas. This clarification shall govern other municipal areas as well.
When contacted, Superintendent Mohan Varde said that he is aware of the SC order and shared that he will abide by the instructions from the government and divisional office of State Excise.
