NEW DELHI: Following concerns from several quarters on the ban of liquor shops, bars and restaurants alongside the national highways, Centre on Monday said that it will try to find a middle path.
On the concern of impact of the ban on tourism sector, union Tourism minister Mahesh Sharma said that government is trying to find a solution.
Amitabh Kant, CEO of Niti Aayog has also said that lakhs will be left unemployed due to the shutting of restaurants and bars.
After a protest by hoteliers and restaurant owners in Chandigarh, Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma said that the ministry will try to find a middle way on the issue and will take legal consultations. Sharma said this after meeting a group of hoteliers on Monday.
He also said that the states hold exclusive jurisdiction on the subject of alcohol, said that he would hold discussions with states and refer hoteliers concerned to take necessary action.
NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant took to Twitter as he wrote, “Tourism creates jobs. Why kill it? Supreme Court's highway liquor ban verdict may hit 1 million jobs.”
Earlier on Monday, hoteliers and restaurants owners had gathered to stage a protest in Chandigarh against the Supreme Court’s order on banning the sale of liquor within 500 m of national and state highways. The purpose behind the protest was for the government to consider its demands and move the apex court.