Maharashtra government is considering allowing sales of alcohol on some of the state holidays like Holi, Muharram, and Gandhi Jayanti. For many years, liquor stores in the state have had to close on festivals and national holidays.
As per reports, the move is part of a wider change of the state’s excise policy. Officials said illegal alcohol sales increase when stores are closed. By keeping licensed outlets open, the government hopes to reduce illegal sales.
The plan is not to reduce oversight, the reports stated. Authorities want to make sure alcohol sales happen through regulated channels. This is meant to stop revenue loss caused by the illegal market. The Revenue Department expects the change to increase collections and control unauthorised alcohol trade.
However, licensed stores will operate under regulatory supervision. People have raised concerns about selling alcohol on holidays like Gandhi Jayanti. The issue has sparked debate.
It should be noted that the new policy will not remove dry days completely. Important national events that require law and order will still have alcohol bans. If implemented, the plan will combine revenue growth with better regulatory control.
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