Chandigarh, May 6 -- Approving the excise policy for a period of 21.5 months, the Haryana Council of Ministers on Monday decided that no liquor sub-vend will be permitted in villages having a population of 500 or less.

Excise officials said the measure is aimed at promoting responsible retailing of liquor and addressing public sensitivities in small habitations. As a result of this provision, 152 existing sub-vends in over 700 villages will not operate across the state with effect from June 12.

The guidelines for operation of taverns (L-52) have been made stringent. Vends in urban areas shall not be permitted to open after 4 am as against the earlier provision of 8 am, an official spokesperson said. Taverns shall operate only from enclo...