Make public consent central to liquor licensing

Include public input in policy making

Liquor shops often raise issues related to law and order, public nuisance and deterioration of the social environment, especially in residential or sensitive zones. Ignoring public opinion can lead to unrest, mistrust in governance and, ultimately, ineffective implementation of policies. A transparent mechanism—such as public hearings or local body resolutions—must be introduced before granting licenses. This would not only democratise decision-making but also promote more responsible placement of liquor outlets, balancing revenue interests with social well-being. Further, strict zoning norms should be enforced to prevent vends from being established near schools, places of worship, and densely populated residential areas. Ultimately, governance must be sensitive to people’s voices. Incorporating public consent into the excise policy would build greater trust, ensure more harmonious civic life, and create a healthier, safer environment for all.

Aarti Rana Chauhan

Community-centric approach required

Nowadays, state governments are increasingly granting licenses to liquor vendors in every nook and corner of residential areas, including proximity even to educational institutions and religious places, just for easy revenue generation. However, incorporating a provision in the excise policy for seeking consent from area residents before issuing a liquor license to a vendor can prove beneficial in many ways. Engaging residents in the decision-making process can foster community involvement and ensure that their concerns are heard. Soliciting resident feedback allows authorities to make more informed decisions about liquor licensing and fosters a mechanism for accountability, promoting transparency and good governance. To achieve this, authorities need to maintain a balance between the interests of residents, liquor vendors, and the broader community. Establishing objective criteria for evaluating resident feedback can help in fair decision-making concerning liquor licenses. A community-centric approach can help in identifying and mitigating potential issues related to liquor sales. Policymakers can develop targeted strategies aimed at reducing alcohol-related problems while fostering community engagement and social cohesion. Community involvement can enhance transparency and accountability in the policymaking process. Community-centric policies can contribute to a reduction in liquor-related crime and improvements in public safety. Furthermore, such an approach can encourage community members to take an active role in shaping their environment. Additionally, policymakers can promote responsible liquor sales practices, potentially reducing the risk of alcohol-related problems.

(Dr) Kulwant Singh Phull

Public sentiments are more important

It is imperative that there should be a strong provision in the excise policy to seek public consent with regard to opening any liquor vend in the respective residential area. The clearance, after inviting and examining suggestions and objections from the public, should be obtained even before the yearly excise policy is finalised and the concerned residents should be notified to that effect. As per the latest excise policy, no liquor vend is allowed to be opened within 50 meters of any school, hospital, and places of any religion. It is suggested that the limit should be enhanced to a minimum of 100 meters. It is the duty and responsibility of the local authorities to ensure that no such violations take place and if any do, corrective measures should be initiated immediately before any public protest erupts. In case there is strong public protest against any liquor shop, even if opened as per location guidelines, the same should be considered for shifting to another acceptable place. Public sentiments in the matter are more important than making liquor options conveniently available to bibulous customers.

Jagdish Chander

Consent-based system required

Yes, the government should devise a policy that mandates the consent of area residents before approving liquor vends, especially in a sensitive state like Punjab, where alcohol abuse has been a long-standing social concern. Recent protests in both urban and rural areas reflect strong public sentiment against the unchecked opening of liquor shops near residential areas, schools, and religious places. Involving local panchayats or ward members in the decision-making process can ensure transparency and community participation. This policy can help prevent social unrest, maintain law and order, and promote healthier communities. A consent-based system will also reinforce democratic values and address the moral and cultural concerns of the population. Punjab needs a balanced approach that respects public opinion while regulating revenue interests from liquor sales.

Anuja Sharma

Community engagement ensures balance

Local residents are directly affected by the presence of liquor shops—socially, economically and culturally. Their voices should be considered in a democratic setup. Many communities may face increased risks of alcohol abuse, domestic violence and public disturbances due to nearby liquor vends. Seeking consent can mitigate these issues. Consent-based policies can help align alcohol distribution with public health goals, especially in sensitive areas like school zones, religious places, or residential neighbourhoods. This helps in building trust between the government and citizens while ensuring that development is aligned with community welfare. Public consultations also promote transparency and accountability, reducing the risk of arbitrary or politically motivated decisions. Involving local residents in such decisions doesn’t mean halting economic activity, but ensuring it is responsible, inclusive, and well-regulated. Ultimately, community engagement leads to more balanced and sustainable policy outcomes.

Ishita Bhardwaj

Rules for location of liquor vends

Liquor is a significant source of revenue for the state. Like petroleum products, it has been kept away from the ambit of uniform GST stipulations across the country. Accordingly, states including Punjab formulate their own excise policy on liquor licensing every year with the aim of maximising revenue from liquor sales. However, no specific regulations are mandated regarding the location of liquor vends. Consequently, in the absence of clear guidelines, vends are established indiscriminately across urban and rural areas, even ignoring objections from local residents. Typically, to boost sales, most liquor kiosks are set up at busy intersections, along roadsides and within residential neighbourhoods where public footfall is high. More astonishingly, open drinking spaces are permitted at many locations adjacent to liquor shops, causing considerable inconvenience to the public and exacerbating law and order problems. Drunken individuals in an inebriated state create nuisances, engage in quarrels and hurl abuses at each other, thereby seriously undermining public civility. It is deeply concerning that the powerful lobby of liquor contractors, bolstered by their influence over departmental officials and political patronage, does not bother about the protests even from residents living nearby. As a rational and much-needed solution, no liquor vend should be permitted within residential areas. Furthermore, liquor vends should be located at least 500 meters away from highways and no vend should operate openly along streets or near congested markets and public spaces. It would be prudent to include a specific clause in the excise policy allotment contracts, mandating prior consent from residents before establishing a liquor vend in their vicinity. While the state is currently striving to combat drug abuse, it is imperative that the sale of liquor near residential colonies and public spaces be strictly curtailed. The issue demands urgent and serious attention to ensure that peace-loving citizens are not subjected to undue disturbance.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

No liquor shops near school/colleges

The Excise policy is framed by the State Government and the Excise and Taxation Department. The liquor vendors’ requests for liquor vends are generated through the proper system as adopted by the department and the highest bidders are allocated the liquor vends. As on the main roads, the opening of liquor vends is cleared by the administration and there are certain norms for opening of liquor vends near temples, schools and colleges. Whereas liquor vendors can open their shops wherever in the case of the allotment for the sale of liquor, there have been a number of protests sometimes when the liquor vends are opened in internal places in residential areas or near colleges/schools. The Excise and Taxation Department should seek the advice of the area councillor in the internal city areas and the masses for recommendations on where they can open the liquor vend so that it is suitable and faces no protests, as these liquor vends generate revenue for the government to carry out development works. The opening of liquor vends near schools/colleges should be restricted with a particular distance gap for the opening of liquor vends.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Liquor shops need public approval

These days, people in both cities and villages are protesting against the opening of liquor shops. Many say that these shops are opened without asking the people who live nearby. This can create problems like fights, an increase in crime and bad effects on children. The government should make a new rule that liquor shops cannot be opened without taking permission from the local people. Village panchayats and city ward members should have the right to decide whether a shop should be allowed or not. This way, people will trust the government more and decisions will be made for the good of the community. A true democracy works best when every citizen’s voice is heard.

Sohan Lal

Govt must prioritise societal well-being

In response to your question regarding liquor vends, I strongly believe that the government must seek community consent before granting approvals. Public protests highlight legitimate concerns about safety, health and social harmony. Liquor shops near homes, schools, or religious sites often disturb the peace and provoke discomfort, especially among women and the elderly. A consent-based approach—through panchayat meetings or public consultations—can help align such decisions with local sentiments. This not only strengthens democratic engagement but also reduces conflict. The government must prioritise societal well-being alongside revenue considerations and should take strict actions against those who have opened the liquor shops near societies or other living areas.

Anmol Sharma

Strict action should be taken

Liquor is not a new problem in today’s world. It is a worldwide issue that has no permanent solution. Liquor is consumed by every age group today. Liquor vends should not be opened in any residential area. As it is said, “Learning happens by observation.” It impacts the minds of people. Vendors should not be provided with licenses to open in any residential area without the consent of nearby society residents. Proper action should be taken against unofficial vendors. Young minds get easily attracted to things they should avoid. The government and the locals should take strict action against those who have opened vends near societies or other living areas. Rules should be made for both rural as well as urban areas.

Shruti Bidani

Punjab