How pubs and hotels are coping with SC's highway liquor ban

"Forget ease of doing business, we are right now concerned about the guarantee of doing business."

On March 31, guests staying at a five-star in Gurugram were taken by surprise when the hotel staff came frantically knocking on their doors. After a hurried explanation, the staff quickly emptied the mini-bars in their rooms of all alcoholic beverages.

At 6 that evening, the Supreme Court had ruled that no liquor would be sold in hotels and restaurants, besides liquor vends, falling within 500 metres of state and national highways. The ban would be effective from midnight. The hotel fell within the 500-metre limit. The staff had barely six hours to act.

The order has punched a massive