Liquor Shops on Highways Should Close Down, Says Supreme Court

* All liquor shops on state, national highways to be closed.

* Licences of existing shops not to be renewed after April 2017

* Liquor shops must be at least 500 metres away from the highway so that they are not easily accessible

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Thursday said that liquor shops will not be allowed on highways from April 2017 and that the license of existing shops will not be renewed.

The Supreme Court gave this ruling during the hearing of petitions challenging the verdicts of several High Courts, whch mandated that the liquor shops should be located at a distance from the highways.

The court said that Liquor shops must be at least 500 metres away from state and national highway so that they are not easily accessible. The court also ordered that the banners and advertisements of the alcoholic drinks should be removed from the road sides. The Apex Court said the orders were being issued for the safety and security of commuters who get distracted, which caused accidents.The orders will have to be implemented by the Chief Secretary and police chiefs of the respective states. The Supreme Court has also asked chief secretaries of the state governments and police chiefs to chalk out a plan to make sure all orders are implemented.