Public Say in Liquor Shop Closures? Maharashtra Govt Considering 75% Resident Vote Rule
Mumbai, 11th March 2025: Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised concerns about liquor shops operating within residential societies in Pimpri-Chinchwad. In response, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that the rules would be changed. The new rule will require liquor shops, wine shops, bars, and restaurants to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from housing societies. Without this NOC, they will not be granted a license to operate.
MLA Landge highlighted that despite Maharashtra’s liquor prohibition laws, many liquor shops operate within residential complexes, causing public nuisance. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and relocation of such shops. MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar also suggested revising the rules for closing liquor shops based on public opinion, proposing that if 75% of local residents vote against a shop, it should be closed.
Pawar acknowledged that no new liquor licenses have been issued since 1972 and that proposals for relocating existing shops are under consideration. The Maharashtra State Government plans to reform regulations to ensure that liquor shops are not located near schools, colleges, societies, and religious places. This decision follows assurances from the government to make policy changes that prioritize the interests of society members and the general public.
