Following substantial criticism from opposition parties and social groups to the state government’s plan to allow wine sales at supermarkets and walk-in shops, the Maharashtra government issued the draft guidelines for the policy and invited public comments and objections till June 29.
The government’s policy announcement on January 27 sparked outrage in the state, drawing strong resistance from opposition parties. Anna Hazare, an activist, has said that if the government doesn’t change the policy, he will go on a hunger strike until he dies.
The government’s policy announcement on January 27 sparked outrage in the state, drawing strong resistance from opposition parties. Anna Hazare, an activist, vowed to fast unto death if the government did not reverse the program, which he said would corrupt youngsters by turning them into alcoholics.
Following a lot of people saying they didn’t like the idea, the administration said it wouldn’t start the programme until it had a big meeting about it. The state home department has now released a draught of the Special Permits and Licences (Amendment) Rules, 2022, and it wants people to give their thoughts.
The new policy will permit the sale of wine in supermarkets and walk-in stores with a minimum floor area of 100 square metres, as well as walk-in stores with self-service capabilities, if they are registered establishments under section 6 of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. (Mah. LXI of 2017). Under the new rule, wine can be sold to anyone who has been given permission on Form FLX-C by rule 70D of the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953.
People who object to or suggest changes to the draught should send them to the Commissioner of State Excise, Maharashtra State, 2nd Floor, Old CusBhagat Singh, Shahid Bhagatsh Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 023, by mail or email ([email protected]). The government will then consider them.
Published by – Kiruthiga K
Edited by – Kritika Kashyap
