Maharashtra mandates NOC for liquor shops in housing societies

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Tuesday that new beer and liquor shops in commercial premises of housing societies will require a mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC) from the respective society.

This significant policy shift aims to prevent disputes among residents, curb addiction among youth, and improve law and order, especially in Pune, where many such liquor shops operate within the premises of housing societies.

The Minister further stated that if residents wish to shut down an existing liquor shop in their municipal ward, polling needs to be conducted in that particular ward, in which 75 percent of the voters must be in favour of that proposal.

Addressing concerns raised by legislators, he emphasised that the government is not promoting liquor sales, instead ensuring strict enforcement of existing laws, including the prohibition of liquor stores near schools and colleges. He also assured that measures would be taken to curb illegal liquor sales.