Maharashtra govt puts strict condition on new liquor shop licences — what’s really behind this move?

In a significant move, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar clarified that the state government will not issue any new liquor shop licences without first taking the state legislature into confidence.

This statement came after NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of planning to issue 328 new licences to manage the financial burden of welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which eligible women get ₹1,500 per month.

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Pawar, who also handles the finance and state excise departments, said that Maharashtra strictly follows rules regarding liquor licences. “We have made it a rule that if any new liquor shop licence is to be given, it cannot happen without the approval of the legislature,” he said.

Opposition criticism over alcohol policy

Earlier, Awhad strongly criticised the alleged plan to grant new licences. He said that increasing the number of liquor shops would push Maharashtra—a state known for saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram—towards alcoholism and harm lakhs of families.

He argued that selling more liquor licences just to raise funds for welfare schemes is unfair. “To pay Ladki Bahin, this government will cheat brothers, husbands, and fathers,” Awhad said. He added that licences cancelled 50 years ago are now being sold cheaply and accused some firms of trying to benefit from the move.

Awhad also called on women and citizens to protest the policy, warning that it could repeat mistakes from the past. He referred to protests in 1974 that had forced the government to roll back similar plans.

Govt defends its approach

Pawar, however, defended the government’s process. He pointed out that since 1972, Maharashtra has not given any new liquor shop licences, although transferring existing licences from one place to another is allowed under strict rules.

“If women object to liquor shops at certain places, the government shuts them down,” Pawar said. He also explained that the state has a committee that takes such decisions based on proper procedures.

He emphasised that Maharashtra is different from other states where liquor shop numbers have increased. “We do everything systematically,” he added.

Pawar also clarified in the Assembly earlier that there is no legal way for municipal corporations to directly cancel liquor licences, after a BJP MLA asked about declaring some areas alcohol-free.

Also Read: Liquor Ban Possible in Panvel’s Kharghar if Legal Procedure is Followed: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Why this matters

Maharashtra’s liquor policy is now at the centre of a debate about balancing welfare spending with social responsibility. While the government insists on following strict rules, the opposition fears that funding welfare schemes by issuing liquor licences could harm society in the long term.

The government has assured that it will act against any wrongdoing if allegations are proven true.