June 28, 2025 — Nagpur:
In a bid to boost its excise revenue, the Maharashtra government is considering allowing liquor manufacturers to open their own retail outlets across the state.
A government resolution (GR) issued on Thursday announced the formation of a cabinet sub-committee, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to look into this proposal. Other members include Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Mining and Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate. The Additional Chief Secretary (Excise) will serve as the committee’s secretary.
Currently, liquor manufacturers with a Portable Liquor Licence (PLL) — the licence given to bottling units — are not allowed to run retail shops. If the new proposal is approved, these manufacturers could receive FL2 retail licences, allowing them to open one outlet in each division of the state. Each division includes a group of districts — for example, the Nagpur division covers Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur.
If implemented, this policy could significantly increase the number of liquor stores across the state, since many PLL licence holders — especially those based in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar — would be able to open shops in multiple districts within their division.
Currently, retail liquor shops are mostly run by independent vendors who sell a variety of brands, and the state hasn’t issued new licences to such retailers in recent years. The new policy could pave the way for more shops by granting licences directly to manufacturers.
This move follows the recommendations of a study group set up to explore ways to increase excise revenue. The group, led by the Additional Chief Secretary (Housing Development), submitted its report in April, and the government has now decided to act on its suggestions — including this one. The cabinet sub-committee will now work on finalizing the details.
