Punjab has passed an amendment to the relevant bill in the Assembly, exempting hotels, restaurants and clubs from the Supreme Court’s ban on the sale of alcohol along state and national highways.

While no liquor vends would be allowed to sell alcohol within the 500-metre vicinity of the highways, a draft proposal to amend Section 26-A of the Punjab Excise Act has exempted hotels, restaurants and clubs. The section deals with the location of liquor vends.

Besides ensuring revenue for the state exchequer, the move would save the livelihood of thousands, who are either laid off by the establishments or awaiting sacking as a result of the ban.

On December 15, the apex court ordered shutting of all liquor vends within the 500-metre vicinity of the state and national highways. It came into effect from April 1.