Maharashtra to make liquor permits must from Apr 1

Come April 1, the state government will begin the stringent implementation of the law that requires tipplers to possess a liquor permit.

However, the government is considering a proposal to make the procurement of permits more public friendly.

Confirming this state excise commissioner Vijay Matankar told Business Standard: "Our field officers have reported a 400 per cent increase in the number of application for liquor permits in the current fiscal. Though we are yet to assess the revenue increase, we are confident of meeting the incremental revenue target of Rs 2300 crore set by the state government."

According to another official the number of people applying for permits in Mumbai, has risen from 2,800 in February, to 10,935 in March.

A proposal under the state government's consideration includes the introducing of daily and yearly permits.

Once the law is enforced, the excise department officials will conduct physical raids to check whether liquor is being served by restaurateurs to their clients without permits.

According to a new state government notification, those below 21 years of age are not permitted to frequent bars.

Those above 25 years of age can consume hard liquor only of they hold valid permits.

Excise department officials said that the state may open several more outlets in the city for disbursing the permit.

There are eight excise stations in Mumbai. Permits valid for one year are available for Rs 25, while a permit for three years cost Rs 75.