The Madhya Pradesh Government has decided to shut 58 liquor shops located within five kilometers from the banks of river Narmada.
"State cabinet has given the nod to shut 58 shops located within five kilometers from the banks of river Narmada. These shops are located across 12 districts of the state," MP Public Relations Minister Narottam Mishra told journalists after the cabinet meeting today.
"Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier made an announcement in this regard during the ongoing 'Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra.' These shops will not be auctioned for next financial year," he added.
The state cabinet also approved the liquor policy for financial year 2017-18 today.
Shops to be shut include Dindori (two shops), Mandla (6), Jabalpur (3), Narsinghpur (7), Raisen (3), Hoshangabad (12), Sehore (7), Harda (2), Dewas (2), Khandwa (4), Dhar (4) and Khargone (6).
In addition, 1427 liquor shops located on national highways and state highways would also be shifted following the apex court's order in this regard, he added.
On December 15 last year, the Supreme Court had ordered to shut all the liquor shops within 500-meters of national and state highways, setting the deadline of April 1, 2017 for its implementation.
"State's excise department has identified 1427 shops coming under the purview of SC directives. These shops will be shifted to other places, beyond 500-meters of such highways," the minister added.
In addition, 572 other liquor shops would also be shifted in compliance with the court's orders, the minister informed.
Asked whether the government is heading for a 'complete prohibition' in the state, Mishra replied "Chief Minister's intent seems to be leading in that direction."
"No new liquor shop will be opened in the state in year 2017-18," he added.
The minister said new liquor policy also suggested seeking breathe analysers from companies running breweries.
Mishra informed that a provision for suspending the driving license for six months, if caught in a drunken driving case for the first time, has been made in new liquor policy.
"Those caught in drunken driving for second time would be penalised with the suspension of driving license for two years. If caught for the third time, the transport department would be told to cancel the license," he added.
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