Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has put an immediate halt to the practice of village authorities issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for wine stores, bonded warehouses and other alcohol-related businesses within their jurisdictions.
The directive, announced on Tuesday, stems from discussions held during the Executive Committee’s meeting on November 19, where members raised alarm over the steady increase of wine outlets and alcohol product shops across several localities.
KHADC Executive Member in charge of Elaka, Denzil Raynard Chen, said the council was compelled to intervene as the rapid expansion of such establishments has begun to affect families and the larger Khasi community.
According to him, Rangbah Shnong, Sordar Shnong, Matabor and Myntri Shnong are henceforth barred from issuing any form of consent for setting up wine stores in their villages.
Chen added that this prohibition also covers permission for establishing bonded warehouses meant for storing alcoholic products within Dorbar-controlled areas.
Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh reinforced the decision, saying the restriction is not limited to wine stores alone but also applies to alcohol manufacturing units and shops or departmental outlets selling any category of alcoholic beverages.
“All proposals requiring NOCs or consent within the council’s territory are included under this order,” he said.
However, Lyngdoh pointed out a single exception: an NOC may still be granted if a Dorbar Shnong’s decision is unanimous.
He expressed concern that many approvals currently emerge from only the Executive Committee of the Dorbar Shnong, often without the wider knowledge or participation of residents.
The CEM stressed that the endorsement of the entire locality must remain central to any decision involving an NOC.
Urging Dorbar Shnongs and residents to support the council’s move, Lyngdoh said the directive has been framed with the welfare and interests of the community in mind.
The order will stay in place until further notice.
