The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the new excise policy, which calls for the closure of “ahatas,” or drinking establishments connected to liquor shops.
The new excise policy, according to state home minister Narottam Mishra, is intended to reduce alcohol consumption. Mishra made the statement following the cabinet meeting on Sunday night.
This is in response to Uma Bharti, a prominent BJP politician, calling for a “controlled liquor policy” in MP. Bharti, who began her campaign by calling for complete prohibition, is now pushing for the regularisation of alcohol sales in the state, where the Assembly elections are scheduled for this year’s end.
“All ahatas and shop bars are being shut in the state. Now, only liquor will be sold at the shops and places of drinking will not be allowed,” Mishra, who is also the state government’s spokesperson, said after the cabinet meeting.
He added that the laws governing the revocation of driver’s licences in situations of drunk driving will be strengthened. He said the distance between liquor stores and educational institutions, ladies’ hostels, and places of worship will be increased from 50 metres to 100 metres.
“Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been working to discourage drinking liquor so no new shop has been opened in the state since 2010. On the contrary, shops were closed,” Mishra concluded.
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