Shillong: In a move to reassess the state's liquor retail landscape, Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla announced that the Meghalaya government has temporarily stopped issuing new licenses for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) retail shops in the city.

The decision aims to evaluate the current locations of IMFL retail shops and determine where additional outlets may be needed, addressing concerns over the proximity of liquor outlets to educational institutions and places of religious worship. Obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the local headman is a crucial requirement for setting up new IMFL retail shops.

Minister Shylla assured that measures will be implemented to prevent new liquor shops from being established near educational institutions and religious sites, aligning with existing laws. However, he clarified that existing wine shops in such areas cannot be relocated unless the owners voluntarily choose to move.

Regarding the high concentration of liquor shops along the Polo to Nongmensong stretch, the minister acknowledged complaints from shop owners about declining sales due to increased competition. The government plans to study the matter and develop a new mechanism to address these concerns.