AMENDMENT SUMMARY

Amended Rule/Section: Section 139(1), clauses (b) and (n) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949 (XXV of 1949); Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953

Type of Change: New Notification / Mandatory Installation Order

What Changed:

The Government of Maharashtra issued a new regulatory order (FLR-0724/C.R.106/Exc-2, dated 11 October 2024) mandating the installation of AI and Machine Learning-based Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems at licensed premises under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. This is a significant operational requirement affecting all holders of FL-II, FL-II/E.O., FL-II/S.P.O., and FL-III liquor licenses.

Previously, there was no statutory requirement for CCTV systems with AI/ML capabilities at licensed alcohol retail establishments. The new order transforms compliance standards by requiring sophisticated real-time video surveillance with intelligent monitoring capabilities. The CCTV system based on AI and Machine Learning is specifically defined as "a system which uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms to analyze video footage in real-time which may detect and recognize objects, faces and behaviours, providing enhanced security and monitoring capabilities and send alerts for user defined activities."

Key Details:

Licensee Categories Affected:

• FL-II (Foreign Liquor - Off License)
• FL-II/E.O. (Foreign Liquor with Eating Out)
• FL-II/S.P.O. (Foreign Liquor with Service of Private Ownership)
• FL-III (Foreign Liquor - On License/Bar/Hotel)
• Secondary licenses under FL-III in areas outside Municipal Corporations and Police Commissioner jurisdictions
• Exception: Defence units are exempted

Mandatory Installation Location:

• Entrance/entry points of licensed premises

Technical Specifications Required (as per Schedule):

1. IP-based CCTV Camera (5MP):

   • Resolution: 1280 x 720 minimum
   • Frame rate: 25-30 FPS
   • Type: IP Bullet/Dome camera
   • Protocol: RTMP, RTSP, HTTPS, ONVIF enabled
   • IR Range: Minimum 30m for human target at 45-50° ambient temperature
   • Video Compression: H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264
   • Sensor: 1/2.8" CMOS
   • IP Rating: IP 67 (water/dust resistant)
   • Power: Standard 12V DC

2. Network Video Recorder (NVR):

   • 24/7 recording capability; up to 4-channel IP camera connection
   • Supports H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 decoding
   • Up to 6MP HD live view and playback
   • Minimum 1 HDD (2TB) for continuous recording
   • HDMI/VGA video output
   • Plug-and-play capability

3. Network Switch:

   • 4/8 Port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Smart Switch with 2 SFP ports
   • Layer 3 static routing (IPv4 and IPv6)
   • L2/L3 ACLs for access control including 802.1x authentication
   • Advanced PoE management for remote power control
   • QoS support (802.1p and L2/L3/L4 DSCP-based)

4. Display Monitor:

   • Minimum 43-inch non-touch display
   • LED display with 1920 x 1080 FHD or 4K UHD resolution
   • Supports HDMI/VGA/BNC video inputs
   • Features: 3D Comb Filter, Noise Reduction, Anti-Pixel Burn

5. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply):

   • 10 KVA LI UPS, online type with battery
   • 240V output at 50Hz
   • Minimum 30 minutes battery backup

6. AI/ML Edge Device (Raven-AI Software):

   • Real-time detection capabilities:
     • Customer age verification
     • Establishment opening time tracking
     • Bar counter closing time tracking
     • CCTV camera or device tampering detection
   • Camera-agnostic (compatible with all commercially available cameras)
   • Integrated multi-camera video feed display
   • Real-time alert notifications with 10-15 second evidence video clips
   • Mobile app/dashboard with live alerts, on-demand feed access, alert history
   • Secure, role-based user access
   • False alarm tolerance (fault-tolerant design)
   • System integrity alerts for tampering/security breaches
   • Alert prioritization by severity
   • Customizable security features and user interface
   • MFA/2FA login capability
   • Integration capability with NVR, network switches, and external systems

Pre-conditions/Infrastructure Requirements for Licensees (Section 5):

• Sufficient space for CCTV and related equipment installation
• Broadband internet connection with minimum 10 Mbps
• Uninterrupted power supply
• Data from AI/ML CCTV system shall be provided to the Commissioner, State Excise, and a centralized Command and Control Centre

Monitoring & Oversight (Section 6):

• Commissioner, State Excise, shall establish a centralized Command and Control Centre to monitor all AI/ML-based CCTV systems at licensed premises
• Centre will receive responses and compliance alerts from installed systems
• Real-time surveillance coordination across all licensed premises

Timeline:

• Implementation by phases and period as prescribed by the State Government from time to time (phased approach expected, specific dates to follow in separate circulars)

Effective Date: From date of publication (11 October 2024)

Authority: Section 139(1), clauses (b) and (n) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, and all enabling powers vested in the State Government

CRITICAL COMPLIANCE NOTES:

1. This order represents a major technology-driven compliance shift requiring significant capital investment by all FL-II and FL-III licensees to procure and install sophisticated surveillance systems.

2. The AI