On the back of the Sangrampur hooch tragedy, in which 169 people have died so far, the West Bengal government may allow 200-250 new country liquor retailers to start business so that people refrain from consuming illicit drink.

In the state, country liquor shop licence was last issued in 2005.

The state excise department is also thinking of giving licence for country liquor bars. West Bengal now has 1,209 country liquor shops.

"Apart from considering places where there are no such shops, factors such the density of population, proximity to religious or educational institutions and similar other points will be kept in mind," an excise department official said.