Mumbai: In a significant move aimed at maintaining peace and improving law and order in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that liquor stores opening in the commercial space of housing societies will now require a no objection certificate (NOC) from the society. Without the society’s consent, liquor shops will not be permitted to operate in the state, Pawar declared in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Pawar’s announcement came after MLAs Mahesh Landge and Adv Rahul Kul raised concerns about law and order issues linked to liquor stores in residential areas, with former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar also contributing to the discussion.
Pawar clarified that the state government is not promoting liquor sales but enforcing strict prohibition laws. He noted that liquor licenses have been restricted for decades, with shops already banned near schools and colleges.
A major highlight of Pawar’s announcement was his acceptance of Sudhir Mungantiwar’s suggestion to tighten the process for closing liquor shops based on public opposition. Under existing excise department rules, if 50% of registered voters in a ward oppose a liquor shop, it can be shut down.
However, Mungantiwar argued that this threshold is not practical and proposed increasing it to 75% of actual votes cast. Pawar immediately agreed to this suggestion, stating, “In municipal wards, if 75% of the voters are in favor of closing a liquor shop, it will be closed immediately.”
Pawar also underscored the government’s commitment to stopping illegal liquor sales and addressing public concerns. “No action promoting liquor sales will be entertained, and every concern raised by people’s representatives and citizens will be taken seriously,” he assured.
Pawar further highlighted that states with liquor bans often see higher illegal liquor sales compared to states where liquor is sold legally.
