Kolkata: The state will not allow new liquor licences within a 500 m radius of religious institutions, schools and colleges in Kolkata, bringing relief to the hospitality industry. Earlier, CM Suvendu Adhikari had said alcohol sales would not be allowed within 1 km of such places. This 1-km exclusion zone will, however, be applicable in the rest of Bengal.Finance minister Swapan Dasgupta clarified that the 500 m or 1 km rule would not be applicable for existing shops.A spokesperson for state foreign liquor off- and on-shops, country spirit and hotel owners’ association said they were glad the new rule was not applicable to the existing licensees. At present, there are around 5,500 bars and off-shops in Bengal, over 4,000 of which are located within 1 km of religious and educational institutions.Hotel and Restaurants Association of Eastern India (HRAEI) president Sudesh Poddar welcomed the move. “The budget says the regulation in the KMC area will be 500 m, which is a huge relief for those seeking new licences,” he said.The state revenue from liquor last fiscal was Rs 22,223 crore and in this budget, the projection is Rs 25,000 crore.
