The Supreme Court today has passed an ordered on closure of liquor shops that are located on the State and National highways throughout the country.
Announcing, the deadline for the closure as 31st March, 2017, the apex court also ordered that all licenses will stay canceled after 31st March 2017 and no new licenses will be ordered further. Further the judgment also says that the liquor shops should be at least 500 meters from the nearest highway.
Following the case filed by Advocate Balu seeking the closure of liquor shops along the highways. The bench comprising of Justice T.S. Thakur and Chandrasood heard the case and delivered the judgment today considering the road safety and the menace caused by drunk drivers.
The bench also ordered to remove all banners and posters along the highways. And, that the orders have to be implemented by the Chief Secretaries and Police Chiefs of the States along with the Municipal Bodies.