Ajit Pawar Advocates Stricter Norms for Liquor Shops in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that housing societies must provide a no-objection certificate for liquor vends to operate on their premises. He emphasized the need for legal changes to ensure that societies have a say in the types of shops allowed in their areas.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has declared that housing societies will now need to issue a no-objection certificate for liquor vends wishing to relocate to their premises. This move aims to empower communities to decide the types of businesses that can operate in their vicinity.

Pawar, also the state Finance and Excise Minister, informed the legislative assembly that no new liquor shop licenses have been granted since 1972. He outlined the process for migrating existing shops, which includes proposals being vetted by the excise department and the police before approval is granted. Approval from civic bodies is mandatory in municipal areas, while rural areas require a gram sabha resolution.

Responding to BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, Pawar agreed to a revision that will now necessitate 75% voter approval within a ward to shut down nuisance liquor vends, increasing the threshold from the previous 50% requirement.

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