Mumbai: The liquor shops in Maharashtra will remain open until midnight on Holi. The state administration has extended the operating hours for these shops during the festival. Liquor shops are permitted to sell until Thursday night on the day of Holika Dahan.
A senior excise department official stated, “In a measure to prevent bootlegging and to curtail the sale of illicit and counterfeit liquor during the festival of colours, the state government has extended the operational hours for wine and beer shops on Holi,” as reported by the Times of India.
The motive behind the extension of the shop timings is to prevent illegal sales. The state administration hopes that by allowing legal purchases of liquor, they can combat these issues effectively. Authorities have also stated that "the authorization for extended hours, granted to establishments over the past two years, has proven beneficial in deterring illicit liquor traders and bootleggers, who typically become active before Holi."
According to sources, alcohol is prohibited in the Maharashtra Wardha and Gadchiroli zones. However, some areas, particularly in the Marathwada region, may face restrictions due to legal orders and potential laws.
BMC Shares Tips and Precautions for Holi
On Wednesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shared tips and precautions for celebrating Holi safely through a post on X. They also provided guidance on how to respond if colours accidentally enter the eyes. This information was presented in a video, in which a doctor explains the steps to take if color gets into the eyes.
