Maharashtra Has Just Ended The Need For A Drinking Permit. Hic Hic Hurray!

Tipplers in bars across Maharashtra have reason to cheer. The state government has lightened up the the archaic law of buying a daily consumption permit while ordering a drink.

Pemits for daaru shopping

drinktails

However, a permit would be required when one buys liquor in a shop and carries the stock to another destination, even one's home. Annual and lifelong permits will also continue. "Bars and pubs are already permitted, regulated and licensed installations and regularly monitored by police and excise squads for breach of law. When the premises themselves are permitted and regulated, then why do we need to issue another permit to a patron regularly coming there to drink?" said a senior official with the excise department. He further said even the state's annual average collection from such permits did not reach Rs 1 crore.

Maharashtra - still stuck with the British permit raj legacy

police

Maharashtra is the only state in the country that has not scrapped the annual drinking permit system, which was introduced during the British rule. Instead of abandoning the system, the state introduced it for daily and lifelong consumption in 2005-06. Eventually, the system was to be made online but the plan did not take off. Rakesh Kumar, principal secretary, excise department, said the proposal was still at the discussion stage.

Although the state's average annual collection through permits ranges from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore, daily permits (Rs 2 and Rs 5) issued inside bars, clubs and pubs fetch Rs 50-55 lakh. A total of 20-22 lakh permits in various categories¡ª daily, annual and lifelong¡ªare sold every year. In Mumbai region, revenue collection through these permits is barely Rs 25-30 lakh. "A look at the collection shows it is very negligible and if withdrawn will not translate into a major revenue loss to the government," said sources close to excise minister Eknath Khadse.

Drinkers will now not need need a ¡®daily¡¯ permit to drink in bars and restaurants, and are also allwoed to stock up to 12 bottles of booze. And that too, of a litre! Sukesh Shetty, secretary, Ahar, an association of over 8,000 bars and restaurants in the city, said such a move would enthuse customers. "It will also take away the hassles and restore some confidence among patrons and bar owners. It will have a positive impact on businesses." Government sources said if a decision is taken to amend the law, then the bill will be tabled in the state legislative assembly during the next winter session.

(Originally published in the Times of India | Inputs from Kunal Anand)