Highway stretches of West Bengal reclassified after liquor ban order

Move expected to benefit at least 40% of 2,100 bars, liquor shops affected by the order

The West Bengal government has decided to denotify 277.3 km of five state highways to bypass the Supreme Court’s ban on liquor sales within 500 metres of national and state highways. 

The move is expected to benefit at least 40 per cent of the 2,100 bars and liquor shops affected by the order.

It will also help the state raise around Rs 800 crore excise duty from the sale of alcohol at these bars and shops. The state government earns an estimated Rs 3,400 crore every year from the sale of liquor.

The reclassification of these stretches of roads as