In a crucial step to maintain law and order, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that liquor shops in commercial spaces of housing societies will now require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the society. Without residents’ approval, such stores will not be permitted to operate, Pawar declared in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
The decision follows concerns raised by MLAs Mahesh Landge and Adv Rahul Kul over the impact of liquor shops in residential areas. Former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar also supported stricter regulations.
Key Highlights:
- Mandatory NOC for liquor stores in housing societies to prevent disturbances in residential areas.
- Tighter closure regulations: If 75% of actual voters in a municipal ward oppose a liquor shop, it will be shut down immediately.
- Government stance: The move is not to promote liquor sales but to enforce strict prohibition laws.
- Illegal liquor crackdown: Pawar assured action against unauthorized liquor sales, emphasizing that states with liquor bans often see higher illicit trade.