Govt analysing impact after closure of liquor vends: Har FM

Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu today said the state government is studying the impact of closure of liquor vends after the Supreme Court banned alcohol sale within 500 metres of state and national highways.
"The state government is analysing the impact after the closure of liquor vends that were within 500 metres of highways," he told reporters here.
The loss to the state Excise Department in the wake of the apex court's decision will be calculated after a proper study, the minister said.
"Apart from excise, the court's decision will also impact the revenue from Value Added Tax. There is a possibility of negative impact on employment of thousands of people working in the tourism and hospitality sector," he said.

Replying to a question, Abhimanyu claimed that Gurgaon houses six per cent of the global population of BPOs where people belonging to 50 to 60 countries are working.
He said the state government respects the Supreme Court's order banning sale of liquor within 500 metres of state and national highways and would enforce it.

The minister said the Haryana Advocate General has given his opinion and according to it permission will not be given to licensed vends within 500 metres of highways.
"Before the old licences are renewed, it would be observed whether the licensed vend is located within the limit of 500 metres or not," he said.

Speaking at Panipat yesterday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had said the matter is being considered to find a way out for people in view of the Supreme Court's order.
His response came to a question by reporters on the possibility of Haryana de-notifying some state highways on the lines of Punjab and some other state governments.