Maharashtra News: DCM Ajit Pawar Announces NOC Requirement For Liquor Stores In Housing Societies, Strengthens Prohibition Laws

Maharashtra News: DCM Ajit Pawar Announces NOC Requirement For Liquor Stores In Housing Societies, Strengthens Prohibition Laws

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.

Kalpesh MhamunkarUpdated: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 04:49 AM IST
article-image
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar | File Photo

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.

RECENT STORIES

2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: NIA Court Acquits All 7 Accused, Including Mirzapur’s Sudhakar...

2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: NIA Court Acquits All 7 Accused, Including Mirzapur’s Sudhakar...

Mumbai Cyber Fraud: Tourists Duped Through Fake Della Adventure & Resort Websites; Case Registered

Mumbai Cyber Fraud: Tourists Duped Through Fake Della Adventure & Resort Websites; Case Registered

Zeeshan Siddique Email Threat Case: 35-Year-Old Man Arrested In Trinidad Via Interpol, Brought To...

Zeeshan Siddique Email Threat Case: 35-Year-Old Man Arrested In Trinidad Via Interpol, Brought To...

2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: NIA Court Acquits All 7 Accused Including Pragya Thakur, Lt Col...

2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: NIA Court Acquits All 7 Accused Including Pragya Thakur, Lt Col...

2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: 'Hindutva Has Triumphed,' Says Pragya Singh Thakur After Acquittal

2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict: 'Hindutva Has Triumphed,' Says Pragya Singh Thakur After Acquittal