MAHARASHTRA STATE EXCISE DEPARTMENT - FAQ DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
Document Type: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Not an Amendment Gazette
Nature: Informational guidance document on Maharashtra Prohibition Act procedures, licenses, and regulations
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION
This document is NOT an official eGazette notification containing legal amendments, fee revisions, or rule changes. It is an FAQ compilation ("वारंवार विचारले जाणारे संभाव्य प्रश्न व त्याची उत्तरे") providing public guidance on:
- License application procedures
- Types of liquor and alcoholic beverages
- Penalties for illegal activities
- License approval policies
- Permit requirements and fees
Therefore, the standard amendment summary format is not applicable.
DOCUMENT CONTENTS OVERVIEW
GROUP 1: License Applications and Documentation
- Official website: https://stateexcise.maharashtra.gov.in
- District-level authority: Superintendent, State Excise
- Guidance on bringing liquor from Goa (prohibited)
- M3A permit requirements for cattle feed containing malt
GROUP 2: Types of Liquor & Alcoholic Beverages
Definitions provided for:
- Neera (नीरा): Unfermented palm sap
- Toddy (ताडी): Fermented/unfermented palm sap
- Strong Beer: 5-8% v/v alcohol
- Mild Beer: Up to 5% v/v alcohol
- Draught Beer: Unpasteurized beer in kegs
- Wine: Fermented grape/fruit juice (13-15% alcohol)
- Rum: Distilled from molasses/sugarcane juice
- Whisky: Distilled from fermented grains
- Single Malt Whisky: 100% malted barley from one distillery, aged 3+ years
- Blended Scotch Whisky: Blend of single malts and grain whiskies
- Brandy: Distilled from grape juice
- Country Liquor (देशी मद्य): Manufactured in India
- Foreign Liquor (विदेशी मद्य): Manufactured outside India
- Craft Beer: Small-batch, traditional brewing
- Fermented Beer: 5-8% alcohol content
Note: Liquor chocolates currently NOT permitted under policy.
GROUP 3: Penalties for Illegal Activities
Illegal import/export/transport/possession/sale:
- Conviction: Minimum 3 years (up to 5 years) imprisonment AND/OR minimum ₹25,000 (up to ₹50,000) fine
Public consumption of liquor:
- Penalty: Fine up to ₹5,000
Public intoxication with disorderly conduct:
- First offense: Up to 6 months imprisonment + fine up to ₹10,000 (minimum 3 months + ₹5,000 unless special reasons)
- Subsequent offense: Up to 1 year imprisonment + fine up to ₹10,000 (minimum 6 months + ₹7,500 unless special reasons)
Consumption without permit:
- First offense: Up to 6 months + ₹10,000 fine (minimum 3 months + ₹5,000)
- Second offense: Up to 2 years + ₹20,000 fine (minimum 6 months + ₹10,000)
- Third/subsequent: Up to 2 years + ₹20,000 fine (minimum 9 months + ₹10,000)
Appeals:
- Against District Collector's license cancellation: Section 137 appeal to Commissioner within 90 days
- Against Commissioner's order: Section 138 revision to State Government
Reporting illegal activities:
- WhatsApp: 8422001133
- Landline: 022-20822488
- Toll-free: 18008333333
Dry Days (retail shops closed):
- January 26
- January 30
- May 1
- August 15
- October 2
- Ashadhi Ekadashi
- Anant Chaturdashi
- Kartiki Ekadashi
Note: Three Star+ hotel FL-III permits exempt from dry day restrictions.
GROUP 4: License Approval Policy
NEW licenses NOT granted:
- Wine Shops (FL-II)
- Country Liquor Shops (CL-III)
NEW licenses GRANTED:
- Restaurant Permit Rooms (FL-III) - by District Collector after committee recommendation
- Beer Shops (FLBR-II) - by Superintendent with Divisional Deputy Commissioner's pre-approval
- Breweries (BRL) - by State Government
- Wineries (BRL Winery) - by District Collector
- Distilleries (Form-I) - by State Government
Manufacturing permissions:
- Country Liquor (CL-I): Only with Form-I grain-based distillery
- Potable Liquor (PLL): Only with Form-I grain-based distillery
- Beer/Wine: Stand-alone units permitted
Temporary licenses:
- FL-IV-A for one-day events - venue registration required, issued by Superintendent
GROUP 5: Liquor Consumption Permits
| Permit Type |
Validity |
Fee |
| Permanent |
Lifetime |
₹1,000 |
| Annual |
1 Year |
₹100 |
| Daily (Foreign Liquor) |
1 Day |
₹5 |
| Daily (Country Liquor) |
1 Day |
₹2 |
Age requirements:
- Greater Mumbai: Minimum 30 years
- Other areas: Minimum 25 years
Mild beer consumption:
- Minimum age 21 years
- No permit required for 21+ persons
Possession/transport limits with permit:
- Foreign Liquor: 12 units per month
- Country Liquor: 2 units per week
1 unit = 1000ml liquor OR 1500ml wine OR 2600ml mild beer
CONCLUSION
This FAQ document provides operational guidance and does not constitute a legal amendment. For actual rule changes, license fees, or statutory modifications, refer to official Maharashtra Government Gazette notifications published in Part 4-B.
The document serves as a public information resource explaining existing provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949 and subordinate rules.