Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced in the State Assembly that new beer and liquor shops in commercial premises of housing societies will now require a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective society.
Pawar, who also serves as the State Finance and Excise Minister, clarified that no new liquor shop licenses have been issued in the state since 1972. He explained that the Excise Department only processes proposals for relocating existing shops. These proposals undergo verification, followed by police approval, before a final decision is made.
In rural areas or within municipal limits, obtaining an NOC from the civic body is mandatory before approving a liquor shop. For rural locations, a Gram Sabha resolution is required, Pawar added.
He acknowledged the rise of new housing societies in cities and noted the absence of a requirement for society NOCs. “I believe a change in the law is necessary. Societies should have the right to decide the types of shops in their premises. The law will be amended at the earliest,” Pawar stated while responding to a calling attention motion in the Assembly.
Many housing societies have commercial establishments, including liquor shops. Pawar also agreed to BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar’s demand that if a housing society wants to shut down a liquor shop due to nuisance, a poll must be conducted in the respective ward. For the proposal to be approved, 75% of the voters must support it.
Previously, the requirement was that 50% of the total voters in the ward needed to be in favor of closing the shop.
This move aims to prevent disputes among residents, curb addiction among youth, and improve law and order in cities where many such liquor shops are located within housing society premises.
“The government is not promoting liquor sales but ensuring strict enforcement of existing laws, including the prohibition of liquor stores near schools and colleges. Additionally, measures will be taken to curb illegal liquor sales,” Pawar said. The announcement has been widely appreciated by legislators across party lines.
While the new rule is seen as a positive step, residents hope the government will go further by applying the requirement to existing liquor shops as well, addressing ongoing concerns.