HC directive on renewing liquor vending licence to clubs

The Madras High Court Bench here today directed the Tamil Nadu government to issue a circular to concerned authorities to renew licences for retail vending of liquor in recreation clubs only on production of clearance from planning authority, civic body and police among others.
Disposing of a batch of petitions, Justices K K Sasidharan and G R Swaminathan directed them to make fresh application for retail liquor vending by producing all materials including approved building plan, permit from corporation, clearance from Fire and Rescue service and Police for the location and other aspects.
Officials should inspect the spot and study documents and give the licence or renewal only after satisfying that they met with all the rules and regulations.

Pointing out that the petitioner clubs, except one in Madurai, were selling liquor for outsiders, the bench directed the officials to ensure that clubs sold liquor only to their members.
It noted that a report by the district collectors said there was no link between the number of members in a club and sale of liquor.
Many clubs had put up boards inviting public and informing about liquor availability. It was not known whether they were registered under Goods and Services Tax.