Currently, liquor below 180 ml (a quarter size bottle) is served openly, dispensed into a glass for the buyer, in licensed country liquor stores.
To curb the drunken impropriety found outside liquor stores, the state government has decided to ban the sale of unpacked country liquor over the counter at licensed liquor shops. The state excise department has been receiving complaints of revelry and misbehaviour by drunkards outside liquor stores in the state, and says the consumption of free-flowing unpacked liquor is the root of this nuisance. The ball has been set rolling to encourage citizens to drink at home, and to restrict the ensuing shenanigans, to a private residence.
Currently, liquor below 180 ml (a quarter size bottle) is served openly, dispensed into a glass for the buyer, in licensed country liquor stores.
"We have already set up a committee that will give suggestions on how this ban can be implemented. People can take a parcel from the liquor shop and drink at home," said Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Excise Minister of Maharashtra. He is confident that the ban will reduce clashes and skirmishes outside desi liquor shops.
There are 42,000 country liquor vendors in Maharashtra, with an annual consumption of 30-35 crore litres, generating over Rs 3,000 crore of excise revenue.
"Men waiting in queues outside such stores are known to create trouble for the passers-by, especially women and girls. They also spit and end up dirtying the place. We want to stop this to maintain harmony, and law and order," Bawankule said, adding, "The country liquor will be sold in 60ml to 90ml bottles."
"We also plan to pass an order for permit beer bars to sale beer at MRP like wine shops do. Most people carry the beer home, yet pay more than MRP. If it is sold at MRP, then more people will be encouraged to drink at home," Bawankule informed.
Liquor Discord
- Sale of unpacked liquor over the counter at licenced liquor shops will be banned
- Currently, liquor below 180 ml is served openly, dispensed into a glass
- Henceforth, country liquor will be sold in 60ml to 90ml bottles
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