Pune: In a significant move to address concerns over liquor shops in residential zones, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced that liquor establishments in housing societies, near schools, religious places, and hospitals will now require a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from respective housing societies. The necessary rule amendments will be implemented to enforce this decision.
The announcement follows discussions during the Maharashtra Budget Session regarding the inconvenience caused by liquor shops operating within residential complexes. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, several commercial spaces within residential projects have been licensed for liquor sales. Residents, including women, students, and senior citizens, have expressed concerns about disturbances caused by these outlets.
Although the Maharashtra Prohibition Act allows for the closure of liquor shops based on resident complaints, Pimpri-Chinchwad has seen licences granted to country liquor shops, wine shops, and beer bars within society premises. These establishments have led to complaints of public alcohol consumption and disturbances, prompting calls for stricter regulation.
MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar criticized the current licensing policy, suggesting that the threshold for closing a liquor shop should be raised. He proposed amending the rule to require approval from 75% of residents participating in the vote, rather than the existing 50% threshold. Mungantiwar emphasized that Maharashtra’s economy should not rely on liquor revenue and highlighted complaints about beer bars operating within Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana housing projects.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar clarified that no new liquor licences have been issued since 1972. Proposals for relocating shops are reviewed and require NOCs from municipal bodies or resolutions from gram sabhas in rural regions.
However, Pawar acknowledged that current rules do not regulate the relocation of liquor shops within commercial spaces of new residential societies. To address this gap, the rules will be amended to clearly define the types of shops permitted within residential premises. Moreover, liquor shop licences will now require a NOC from society residents to ensure alignment with community sentiments.
This initiative aims to enhance social harmony and minimize disturbances caused by liquor establishments in residential areas, ensuring a more secure and peaceful environment for residents.
