The Maharashtra government is planning to issue 328 new liquor licenses, effectively ending a 50-year ban on granting wine shop permits, according to a media report. This decision is aimed at boosting state revenue and will increase the total number of liquor licenses by 19%, up from the current 1,713.
A committee led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be formed to oversee the issuance of foreign liquor licenses. Jay Pawar, a director of liquor manufacturer Capovity, is related to Ajit Pawar, raising concerns about impartiality in the licensing process. The moratorium on wine shop licenses in the state for the last 50 years is likely to be lifted now.
“We have made a rule that if we want to give licenses, we should not give them without taking the legislature into confidence. Licenses are increasing in other states, but we do everything within the rules. But our method is different. If a shop wants to be relocated, we give permission as per the rules, but everything is within the rules. If women demand it, we close the shops,” said Ajit Pawar.
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