The Madhya Pradesh Government is planning to introduce low-alcoholic beverage bars from 1st April 2025. Liquor sales will also be shut in 19 cities, including 17 holy cities and towns, starting from the next fiscal year. What will these new bars be like and what will be the restrictions? Keep reading to know more!
Low Alcoholic Beverage Bars: All That You Must Know
These new bars will serve drinks with a maximum of 10 per cent alcohol content. These new bars would serve beer, wine and ready to drink alcoholic beverages. The government has also stated that consumption of spirits in these bars would be strictly prohibited.
As of now, there are about 460 to 470 liquor-cum-beer bars that are operational in Madhya Pradesh. With the addition of these new bars, the numbers will surely increase.
Under the liquor sale ban, composite shops (one outlet each for Indian-made foreign liquor and country liquor) will be shut in 19 cities across Madhya Pradesh. Out of these, 17 have religious significance in Hinduism. These include cities and towns like Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, and Amarkantak among others.
Liquor Ban In These Cities
The move to ban liquor in these cities was announced by the State Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav after the clearance of the new excise policy. In the first phase, the CM announced that liquor shops will be closed in Nagar Paalikas, Nagar Parishads, and Nagar Panchayats of 17 cities. The move comes after discussions with religious leaders to ban alcohol in cities with religious and spiritual significance.
This initiative to ban liquor in Madhya Pradesh the initiative is expected to cover 21 districts, 68 tehsils, 1,138 villages, and 1,126 ghats. These localities will cover 430 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and 2 Shakti Peeths along the banks of the Kshipra River.
Also Read: Amid US Threats, Government Reduces Import Duties On Bourbon And Some Wines
Can Alcohol Be Consumed In Madhya Pradesh?
Yes, even though a liquor ban will be effective from 1st April 2025, an official stated that there will be no penalty charged on acquiring alcohol from outside. Drinking it individually in places where the prohibition law is not in force is also permitted. An official also stated that “people can possess liquor and consume it individually, not collectively”.
Summing Up
With liquor being banned in these 19 cities and towns, it will be interesting to see how the new low-alcoholic beverage bars will be received by the public. These bars will serve beer, wine, and drinks that have no more than 10% alcohol content. What are your thoughts on this?
