The Punjab assembly on Friday passed the Punjab Excise Amendment Bill, 2017 changing the definition of “sale of liquor”. The Bill will permit hotels, restaurants, and clubs near highway to supply alcohol.

PUNJAB ASSEMBLY has approved a special amendment of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, to relieve hotels, restaurants and clubs from the Supreme Court order banning the sale of liquor within 500m of the highways.

The Punjab Assembly amended an existing law to change the definition of “liquor sale”. The Punjab Excise Amendment Bill-2017 introduces two clauses – 18 a and 19 a –which differentiate between “sale” and “supply” of liquor. The first clause defines sale of liquor as “transfer of consideration by a liquor vend for consumption by a purchaser at a place other than its premises”, clause 19-a defines supply of liquor as “provision of liquor for consideration at clubs, restaurants, hotels and other places on the basis of licences issued on the condition that it shall be consumed within their premises”.

Sonica Malhotra, Joint Managing Director, Radisson Blu Hotel, Ludhiana, said, “This news comes as a big relief to the industry. While big establishments were affected to an extent, the smaller ones were completely wiped out of the market. This was a tough time for a lot of people as they were caught up in the liquor ban.”

“The Punjab Cabinet nod to the proposal on serving of liquor within 500 metres of highways as a ray of hope for all restaurant owners, hotel owners and employees whose establishment is falling within 500 metres of highway. The Supreme Court order has affected the hospitality sector miserably which unlike the retail vendor and local wine shops cannot move their establishment hence putting millions of jobs on stakes and over all affecting the market and the growth. Though our property in Chandigarh - Golden Tulip Panchkula, Chandigarh doesn't fall under the range, our few other key properties are effected. We are hoping that the states government and central government would follow Punjab's footsteps giving relief and hope to entire hospitality industry and hence to the growth of Indian Tourism.” stated Shashi Razdan, Director of operations and Commercials, Golden Tulip Hotels and Resorts, South Asia.

“The hotels in Chandigarh will not be affected by the new policy. The amendment done is not applicable for Union territory. We are still waiting for the government to come up with something with the Union Territory.” said Anshul Kashyap, Marketing Communication Manager, JW Marriott, Chandigarh.

However, the sale of liquor shall be permitted only through licensed vends which shall not be located within 500 metres from the outer range of the National or State Highway.

(With inputs from PTI)