Maharashtra decides against issuing on-day party licence to pubs on highways in a bid to curb drink-driving
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This New Year's, the state government won't be giving a one-day party licence to bars and pubs situated on state and national highways to Mumbai.
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Following a Supreme Court order to ban all liquor shops and bars within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country, to control the increasing number of drink-driving cases, the state excise department has decided to not issue an FL-4 licence to the establishments coming within the proposed area.
Keeping 'high' in check
Speaking to mid-day, state excise department commissioner V Radha said, "As per the SC order, bars and pubs located within a 500-m radius of state and national highways won't be granted the FL-4 licence for the New Year party."
A senior officer from state excise department said that usually bar and hotel owners and those organising New Year parties on open grounds seek the licence.
While there is no change in the party deadline of 5 am for serving liquor and 3 am for music, there will be strict checking of the liquor permit licence.
"There is no change in the party deadline. However, there will be strict checking of the licence," she added.
Hotel body unhappy
While the state excise department is trying its best to reduce all possible chances of any mishap on New Year's Eve, the AHAR has called the non-issuance of FL-4 an unreasonable step.
"We have not received any circular from the excise department. Once we get it, we will consult our lawyer. If it is not issuing the licence, it is unfair," said Adarsh Shetty, president of AHAR.
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