MUMBAI: Bars can be open until 5 am and wine shops until 1 am on December 24, 25 and 31, during the Christmas holidays. New Year celebrations in Maharashtra. The government, however, appealed to party goers to pay attention to those offering cheaper duty-free imported liqueurs and urged them to buy it at authorized shops.
State special tax police and the surveillance department have confiscated a huge stock of tax-exempt liquor bottles worth about three million euros in five raids since the Lok Sabha elections. They made several arrests, in addition to sealing a huge factory of devotees and a factory on the outskirts of the metropolitan region. In most cases, tax-free counterfeit bottles were sold by taking call or online orders.
“Consumption of this liquor will not only lead to financial losses, but it can also have a negative and dangerous impact on your health,” said tax commissioner Prajakta Lavangare Verma.
Liquor stores can operate until 11.11am, while permit rooms remain open until 1.30am. Relaxation is an annual affair before the year and Christmas celebrations.
State (suburban) officials led by Superintendent Snehlata Shrikar confiscated fake bottles worth about 13 rupees lakes after storming premises in Saki Naka. Police also arrested Rahul Parmar, 24, in addition to seizing empty bottles of various brands, duplicate stickers and stationery needed for fake bottles.
According to the rules, it should be drunk in a permitting room (bar / pub) or at home (private confinement), and not in public view or in a public place. Children should not be exposed either. Failure to comply with the rules can result in a fine of Rs 5,000 or six months imprisonment, or both if you are drinking in unauthorized areas.