Since the Supreme Court's recent ruling that ordered a ban on liquor sale within 500 metres of national and state highways, thirty- four pubs and bars in Gurgaon's upscale DLF CyberHub, near the Delhi- Gurgaon Expressway seem to be heading into a future full of uncertainties.
Moreover, a total of 109 pubs and 43 liquor vends have been identified by the excise department. These pubs and vends will lose their licences on April 1 in compliance with the apex court order.
The bars in several five-star hotels and resorts, located along the expressway, also fall within the red zone.
On December 15, the Supreme Court had directed states and union territories to stop sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and the state highways, as well as on service lanes along highways.
The court also directed the administration and the police departments of all states to chalk out a plan for enforcement within a month.
The closure of the 43 liquor vends could result in a loss of Rs 70.81 crore in revenue per year.
Some pubs and bars in the Sector 29 market will also be affected. A number of such outlets are also located along Sohna Road.
“We will comply with the orders of the Supreme Court. We have conducted a survey and will shortly submit the report to the headquarters,” said Aruna Singh, deputy excise and taxation commissioner, Gurgaon.
Pub owners are planning to meet the excise department officials to get more clarity on the matter.
“Restaurants are being targeted unjustifiably. A restaurant is the safest place for an individual to drink and at least more than three-and-a-half lakh employees face the risk of losing jobs,” said Arvind Kumar, general manager, The Wine Company.
“Due to a lack of description in the ruling, all food and beverages outlets have come under the scanner. Let’s hope that the Supreme Court will explain this and give us a realistic guideline of the ruling,” Goumtesh Singh, owner, Raasta Cafe.
Report and statements collected from The Hindustan Times
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