West Bengal tightens norms for new liquor shops near schools, religious sites

West Bengal has imposed stricter regulations on liquor shop licensing in the state. New liquor outlets in urban areas must maintain a minimum distance of 500 metres from schools, colleges, and religious sites. In other regions, the mandatory distance extends to 1 kilometre.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had previously announced the government's policy to restrict liquor sales near educational institutions and places of worship. The new norms represent the implementation of this initiative across the state's licensing framework.