SC's liquor directive not applicable to beer bars, permit

Maharashtra Excise Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule today said the Supreme Court decision banning liquor sale within 500 metres of national and state highways was not applicable to beer bars and permit rooms.
"As per the opinion of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, the Supreme Court order is applicable for wine shops, and not permit rooms and bars," Bawankule told reporters outside Vidhan Bhavan here.
"Wine shops function as a takeaway joint and thus the decision of the Supreme Court applies to their licence, while permit rooms and bars sell liquor at its premises and it is to be consumed there itself so it is not applicable to them," the minister said.

The number of FL 3 (liquor permits) licence given to retail outlets in Maharashtra stands at 13,650. Out of these, 9,097 are hotels, restaurants and bars, said the minister.
The Supreme Court order is not applicable to these 9,097 permit holders, he clarified.