Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court directed the state government to ensure that people do not consume liquor outside permit rooms or bars, as it causes inconvenience to passers-by. It directed the government to implement the statutory provisions in the Excise Act and the Telangana Excise (Grant of License of Selling by Shop and Conditions of License) Rules, 2012.
The court directed the government to conduct an audit at all wine shops to prevent the practice of drinking in public, and submit a report within two months.
A division bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma issued the orrder on a PIL challenging the legality and validity of the Telangana Excise Rules.
The petitioner stated that there were no conditions or stipulations regulating the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages in permit rooms, and as many as 1,000 licences had been issued.
“Heavy rush in front of the retail (liquor) outsets is causing hindrance to the free flow of traffic in the residential locality, causing immense difficulties to women, children and elderly people who are passing through these areas. They are subjected to harassment. As consuming alcoholic beverages in the permit rooms has created hazardous situations, the same deserves to be curbed forthwith,” the petitioner requested.
The government submitted that it had provided a mechanism for regular inspections. If there were violations, action would be taken as per the law.
