Liquor Traders Get Relief Over 500-Metre Highway Distance Rule for Liquor Shops

Kota: Liquor traders in Rajasthan have received significant relief regarding the issue of the 500-metre distance of liquor shops from national and state highways. The Liquor Contractors Association Rajasthan had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Excise Commissioner, Rajasthan Government, Udaipur, demanding simplification of excise rules, an end to unnecessary harassment in the name of regulations, and resolution of several long-pending issues. Since then, the association had been continuously pursuing these demands.
One of the major concerns—related to the location of liquor shops and their prescribed distance from highways—has now been addressed. State President of the Association, Vinod Pareta, informed that the Supreme Court has granted a stay on petitions challenging the location of liquor shops approved under the excise policy, particularly with regard to their distance from National Highways (NH) and State Highways (SH). This stay has brought substantial relief to liquor business operators across the state.
Considering the interests of liquor contractors, the Supreme Court has stayed the Rajasthan High Court’s order directing the relocation of liquor shops. The apex court observed that the High Court’s broad directions require closer examination, especially in light of earlier Supreme Court judgments that allow relaxations in certain cases. While acknowledging that road accidents and drunk driving are serious concerns, the Supreme Court noted that passing such orders in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) without hearing the affected parties was not appropriate.
Arguing on behalf of the petitioners, Rajasthan Welfare Liquor Association State President Vinod Pareta stated that the High Court had overlooked binding Supreme Court precedents, which permit liquor shops within municipal limits. Responding to this, the Supreme Court bench remarked that the High Court’s concerns are entirely valid and that policy decisions aimed at saving lives are necessary. However, the court ordered that the High Court’s order dated November 24, 2025, shall remain stayed until further directions.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court issued a status quo order on January 19, 2026, which has proven to be beneficial for liquor contractors. This decision is expected to provide relief to 1,102 liquor shops across the state and make future operational pathways easier for the trade.
On this occasion, State Vice President Pradeep Tiwari, State General Secretary Sudhir Dhaka, Treasurer and Spokesperson Sheesh Ram Godara, and State Secretary Sheesh Ram Yadav were present. The association also acknowledged the special cooperation of Excise Commissioner Shiv Prakash Nakate and his team in this matter.