SHILLONG: The Supreme Court’s decision to exempt Meghalaya and Sikkim from the 500-metre cap on liquor vends along highways received mixed reactions in the State. While the liquor lobby is happy with the modified order, the common man said liquor is the main reason for many fatal accidents in Meghalaya.
None of the liquor shops along the Guwahati-Shillong road were closed down after the apex court order on Friday.
The order exempted hill states, including Meghalaya, and areas having population of up to 20,000. In fact, a few liquor shops are yet to pull down banners advertising their shops despite a prohibition under the State Excise Rules.
Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner G.P Gotmare said the administration would have to wait for a detailed order from the State Excise Department. On the liquor shop banners, Gotmare said, “We will definitely take up the matter against the display of advertisements.”
