West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that liquor shops will not be permitted within one kilometre of schools
May 26, 2026: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday announced that liquor shops would not be allowed within a one-kilometre radius of schools, colleges and temples across the state. Speaking in Kalyani, Adhikari said the decision was aimed at improving the environment around educational and religious institutions. The move comes amid broader national debates over liquor restrictions and regulation policies in different states.
Referring to existing legal frameworks, Adhikari noted that the Supreme Court had earlier restricted liquor shops near highways and later clarified issues linked to educational and religious institutions. The announcement is being viewed as a significant administrative step as the state government attempts to tighten regulations around sensitive public spaces.
Alongside the liquor restriction policy, Adhikari also announced several welfare measures. He said the state would launch subsidised fish-rice meals priced at Rs 5 through 400 canteens across West Bengal. He further announced that forms for the Annapurna Yojana would be distributed from May 27, under which eligible women would receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000. The Chief Minister also revealed that the existing “Mukhyamantrike Bolo” platform would soon be replaced with a new grievance portal called “Apnar Sarkarke Bolun.”