Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clauses (c), (ii), and (v) of clause (h1) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949
AMENDMENT 2
Amended Rule/Section: Rule 3, Clause (6), Sub-clause (1) of the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953
Type of Change: New Insertion
What Changed: The Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953 previously did not recognize "Craft Beer" as a separate category of liquor that could be sold under foreign liquor retail licenses. This amendment adds craft beer to the list of permitted beverages under Rule 3(6)(1), making it explicit that craft beer — as defined in the Maharashtra Manufacture of Beer and Wine Rules, 1966 — can now be retailed under BFL licenses.
This change allows retail license holders under the BFL Rules to legally stock and sell craft beer manufactured in micro-breweries and restaurant-breweries, thus integrating the new craft beer framework with the existing retail distribution system.
Key Details:
- New entry (vi) added to Rule 3(6)(1) after entry (v)
- Craft beer formally recognized as a permitted beverage under BFL Rules, 1953
- Definition cross-referenced to Maharashtra Manufacture of Beer and Wine Rules, 1966
- Applies to retail licenses under Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953
Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clause (b) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949
AMENDMENT 3
Amended Rule/Section: Rule 30 of the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953 (Second Proviso)
Type of Change: Omission
What Changed: Rule 30's second proviso previously required sales "of not less than 5 litres" — likely a minimum purchase quantity for bulk or wholesale transactions. This amendment deletes this minimum 5-liter restriction entirely, effectively removing a quantitative floor on transactions under Rule 30.
The practical effect is to permit retail sales of beer (including craft beer) in smaller quantities than previously mandated, increasing consumer flexibility for smaller purchases and on-consumption sales at bars and restaurants.
Key Details:
- Deleted phrase: "of not less than 5 litres"
- Previous requirement: Minimum 5-liter purchase quantity
- New requirement: No minimum quantity specified
- Applies to Rule 30 transactions under BFL Rules, 1953
Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clause (b) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949
AMENDMENT 4
Amended Rule/Section: Rule 50 of the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953 (Third Proviso)
Type of Change: Omission
What Changed: Similar to Amendment 3, Rule 50's third proviso contained a minimum purchase requirement of "not less than 5 litres." This amendment deletes that phrase, removing the 5-liter floor. Rule 50 likely governs special permits or licenses for consumption or sale in specific venues (e.g., hotels, restaurants, clubs). By eliminating the minimum quantity, the amendment allows smaller sales and consumption transactions, particularly beneficial for on-premise service where customers buy beer by the glass or small servings rather than in bulk.
Key Details:
- Deleted phrase: "of not less than 5 litres"
- Previous requirement: Minimum 5-liter purchase quantity
- New requirement: No minimum quantity specified
- Applies to Rule 50 transactions under BFL Rules, 1953
Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clause (b) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949