As you must have heard, the state of Maharashtra wants its inhabitants to have a permit/license to buy, consume and serve liquor, even when the consumption is limited to a residential property. Many are confused with the seriousness of this law and I am here to clear up your doubts.
First off, this is not a new law. It has been in existence for years and the new hype was meant to remind the public of acquiring their permits and licenses before the New Year’s parties.
If you are 21 to 24 years old, you are legally allowed to buy, consume and serve mild alcohol like light beers that contain upto 5% alcohol content. If you are 25 years of age or over, you can legally buy, consume and serve hard liquor like strong beers, whisky, rum, vodka and the likes.
Irrespective of your age, you are required to hold a permit if you are planning on buying alcohol for self-consumption or for serving at a party in the boundary of your homes. You can be issued a permit by the Excise Department.
If you are hosting a party at your house with a gathering of over 8-10 people and alcohol on the menu, you are required to hold a permit. If you are caught without a permit by the police officials, you will be arrested and the liquor will be seized.
You can obtain 1-day, 1-year and lifetime permits and licenses. For a 1-day permit, you are required to pay as low as INR 2 and INR 5 for country and IMFL liquor respectively, INR 100 for a 1-year permit and INR 1,000 for a lifetime license. For grand parties at home with a crowd of more than 10 people, you can obtain a license for INR 10,000.
With these permits in hand, you can possess 12 units of liquor bottles at a given time. Even if you are not hosting a party but own a liquor collection of 12 units, you are required to hold a permit. Moreover, even if you are buying alcohol to cook or bake foods for self-consumption or sale, you are required to hold a permit by the law.
To conclude, if you are someone who buys, consumes and serves alcohol at your home, you are required to have a permit. But don’t worry – officials will only pay a visit when they receive a complaint. (So, keep your neighbours happy!) In case you are looking to get a 1-day permit, you can ask any restaurant and pub to issue it to you for INR 2 or INR 5.
In all the cases listed above, I recommend you to obtain a permit so you are never disturbed during your awesome house parties. Cheers!
