📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Billjones94
Politics
West Bengal Enforces 500-Metre Rule for New Liquor Shops Near Schools and Religious Sites
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 01 Oct 2026, 05:32 PM
👁 18
The West Bengal government has mandated that any new liquor shop must be located at least 500 metres away from schools and religious sites, aiming to curb alcohol consumption among youth and maintain community decorum.
The West Bengal government today announced a new regulation that requires all newly established liquor shops to be situated at least 500 metres away from schools and religious sites. The directive, issued by the state’s Department of Excise, is part of a broader effort to reduce alcohol consumption among young people and to address community concerns about the proximity of liquor outlets to places of worship.
The policy will apply to all new licences issued from the date of the announcement. Existing liquor stores will not be affected, but they will be monitored to ensure compliance with other state regulations. The government said the 500‑metre buffer zone is intended to minimise the influence of alcohol on students and to preserve the sanctity of religious spaces.
Officials explained that the rule is a response to growing public pressure and to data indicating higher rates of alcohol‑related incidents in areas close to schools. The department will work with local authorities to enforce the new distance requirement and to conduct inspections of proposed sites.
The move has been welcomed by several civic groups, although some business associations have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the hospitality sector. The state government maintains that the regulation balances public health interests with commercial activity.
The policy will apply to all new licences issued from the date of the announcement. Existing liquor stores will not be affected, but they will be monitored to ensure compliance with other state regulations. The government said the 500‑metre buffer zone is intended to minimise the influence of alcohol on students and to preserve the sanctity of religious spaces.
Officials explained that the rule is a response to growing public pressure and to data indicating higher rates of alcohol‑related incidents in areas close to schools. The department will work with local authorities to enforce the new distance requirement and to conduct inspections of proposed sites.
The move has been welcomed by several civic groups, although some business associations have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the hospitality sector. The state government maintains that the regulation balances public health interests with commercial activity.