TN seeks modification of SC order on liquor shops

The Tamil Nadu government has moved the Supreme Court seeking modification of its verdict banning sale of liquor within 500 metres of the national and state highways across the country from April one.
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has filed an application in the apex court seeking reduction of the 500-metre ban on liquor outlets being located from the outer edge of the highways to a distance of 100 metres.
The state government has also asked the top court to extend the time for relocation of retail liquor shops along the highways till the expiry of their licence period i.E up to November 28, 2017.

On January 18, the All Assam Indian Made Foreign Liquors Retailers' Association had approached the apex court seeking modification of the judgement, saying it virtually banned liquor shops in the state as the definition of state highways in the local statute included all roads.
The apex court, in its December 15, 2016 judgement, had ordered a ban on all liquor shops along national as well as state highways across the country and made it clear that licences of the existing shops will not be renewed after March 31, 2017.
It had also directed that all signages indicating the presence of liquor vends will be prohibited along national and state highways.