Amended Rule/Section: Rule 2 of the Maharashtra Manufacture of Beer and Wine Rules, 1966 (Definitions)
Type of Change: New Insertion and Substitution
What Changed: This amendment introduces the legal definition and regulatory framework for "Craft Beer," "Micro-brewery," and "Restaurant-brewery" — three interconnected categories that did not previously exist in the 1966 Rules.
The old rule (Rule 2) contained only general definitions of beer and wine manufacturing facilities. The new amendment creates a specialized category for craft beer production with specific quality and capacity controls. Craft beer is now defined as beer manufactured in micro-breweries or restaurant-breweries, flavored with suitable food ingredients only, without sugar or synthetic flavors, with alcohol strength capped at 14 proof spirit or 8% v/v. It may be stored in casks, kegs, bottles, cans, or growlers and may or may not be pasteurized.
A "micro-brewery" is redefined as a facility capable of producing up to 15 lakh (1.5 million) liters of craft beer annually, where the product can be stored and sold to retail license holders under the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953 or Special Permits & Licences Rules, 1952 — for both on and off-site consumption.
A "restaurant-brewery" is now defined as a facility attached to or forming part of a licensed premises (under BFL Rules 1953 or SPL Rules 1952) that manufactures up to 15 lakh liters per annum, with craft beer sold on-site in un-bottled/unpacked form or to retail license holders for both on and off-consumption.
Key Details:
Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clauses (c), (ii), and (v) of clause (h1) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949
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:
Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clause (b) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949
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:
Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clause (b) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949
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:
Effective Date: 15 February 2024
Authority: Section 143(2), clause (b) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949