No liquor shop near schools, colonies, religious places

Allahabad, Mar 23 (UNI) The Allahabad High Court today ruled that no liquor shop be opened near schools or educational institutions, residential colonies, hospitals and religious places.

A division bench comprising Justices A K Yog and Prakash Krishan further directed licences of such shops not be renewed after March 31, 2006.

''If the licence has been renewed prior to March 31, 2006, the licence fee should be refunded to concerned applicants.'' The court passed the order on a PIL filed by Anand Mohan of Allahabad.

''Let the government get serious to encourage 'white revolution' in the country, production of fruits and vegetables, which are conducive to good health of the people of India,'' remarked the bench.

The bench observed it was shocking that the government appeared to be serious in popularising ''spirituous liquor'' and boosting its sale.

UNI XC VS VD BST1955