Excise Minister Kyrmen Shylla today informed that the state government has temporarily halted the issuance of new licences for IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) retail shops (colloquially known as wine shops) in the city, as the administration intends to assess the overall situation before granting new permissions.
The decision comes amid concerns over the proximity of liquor outlets to educational institutions and places of religious worship. “We want to evaluate the current locations of IMFL retail shops and determine where additional outlets may be needed,” Shylla said.
Obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC) from the local headman is a key requirement for setting up a new IMFL retail shop. Licences are granted only after the issuance of an NOC and the government follows all necessary procedures in this regard.
Shylla assured that measures would be put in place to prevent the establishment of new liquor shops near educational institutions and religious sites, which is as per the law. However, he clarified that existing wine shops in such areas cannot be relocated unless the owners voluntarily choose to move.
Regarding the concentration of liquor shops along the Polo to Nongmensong stretch, the minister acknowledged complaints from shop owners about declining sales due to increased competition. “We will study the matter and develop a new mechanism, but we cannot relocate existing shops unless the owners themselves opt to shift,” he added.
