Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to preserve the sanctity of religious sites and protect the youth from substance abuse, the Standing Committee on Excise has issued a series of stringent recommendations to the Odisha Excise Department. Most notably, the committee has recommended a complete ban on liquor shops within a 1-kilometer radius of the Puri Jagannath Temple and the Grand Road (Badadanda).
Strict Zoning Regulations
The committee emphasized that there are no special provisions to bypass the 1-km restriction around the Shrimandir. Furthermore, as per the Odisha Excise Rules-2017, several buffer zones must be strictly maintained:
- Religious Sites: In urban areas, no liquor shop can operate within 300 meters of a temple.
- Educational Institutions: Liquor shops are prohibited within 500 meters of schools and colleges. More strictly, no shop selling any form of intoxicants is allowed within a 1-kilometer radius of educational premises.
- Social Colonies: Liquor outlets must be located at least 300 meters away from SC/ST labor colonies in urban areas and 500 meters away in rural areas.
Crackdown on Online Delivery and Youth Access
Expressing concern over the rising trend of alcohol consumption among minors, the committee reiterated that selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited.
A major highlight of the recommendation is the proposed ban on online alcohol delivery via platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. The committee observed that students are frequently ordering alcohol through these apps directly to their hostels. To curb this, they have urged the Excise Department to prohibit alcohol entry into student hostels and stop third-party delivery services entirely.
Enforcement and Revenue Growth
The Standing Committee has directed the department to take immediate action against licensed shops found selling counterfeit or illicit liquor. Such establishments are to be shut down instantly, with criminal proceedings initiated against the owners. Conversely, the department has been asked to expedite the operationalization of shops that strictly adhere to all government norms.
The report also highlighted a massive surge in excise revenue, indicating a rise in consumption over the last decade:
- FY 2015-16: Revenue stood at ₹2,568.68 crore.
- FY 2024-25: Revenue has skyrocketed to ₹8,195.53 crore.
- The Pandemic Impact: The only significant dip was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic (FY 2020-21), where revenue fell to ₹4,053.51 crore, marking a 9.83% decrease. Aside from this period, the state has seen a consistent year-on-year growth in excise collections.
The Excise Department has assured the Standing Committee that it is already taking steps to implement these regulations and ensure that the liquor trade in the state operates strictly within the legal framework.
