Several wine shops across Meghalaya today downed their shutters in the wake of the authorities' implementation of the Excise Rules which prohibits opening such shops near religious place, educational institutions, hospitals and highways.
The action was taken in view of the order issued by the Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Excise, which directed all existing IMFL shops which have attracted the provision of the amended rule should cease to operate with effect from today.
The order also followed the state government's notification on amendment of the Meghalaya Excise Rules, which (the amendment) was upheld by the Meghalaya High Court yesterday after filing of a petition by aggrieved parties.
The High Court has declined to stay the operation of notification of the state government.
The amended Rule 183 of the Meghalaya Excise Rules has clearly prohibited issuing of licenses to wine stores in areas within 200 meters from place of worship, educational institutions and hospitals.
It has also sought to prohibit location of wine stores within 100 meters from middle point of national or state highways.
Commissioner of Excise M Kharmujai said,"In compliance with the order, we have directed all authorities concerned to halt the operations of all existing wine stores which have attracted the provision of the amended rules."
The district authorities have taken immediate action against such wine shops to ensure compliance with the provision of the amended rule of the Meghalaya Excise Act.
Many wine shops in different parts of Shillong city especially those which were identified to have located in such prohibited places were found to have closed down.
"All our officials including magistrates are on the field to ensure those wine stores which have attracted the provision of the amended rules are closed down," East Khasi Hills District Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said.
He however said there are few wine store owners who are not aware of the developmeents but the district administration will ensure enforcement of the amended rules.
The complete statistic on the number of wine stores being closed down in East Khasi Hills will only be made available tomorrow after a full report is submitted, he said.
West Jaintia Hills District Deputy Commissioner Arun Kembhavi, however, informed that 25 out of 30 wine shops in his district have been found shut.
