Liquor shops in declared holy areas of MP to close from this date

Bhopal: The liquor shops in declared holy areas of Madhya Pradesh will be closed from April 1, 2025. The areas include Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, Amarkantak, Salkanpur, Barman Kalan, Linga, Barman Khurd, Kundalpur, and Bandakpur. Under the new policy, no licenses for wine outlets will be issued or permitted to operate in these areas from April 1, 2025.

The operation and administration of liquor shops in new districts will be managed by the respective district collectors. To support tribal communities, wine and heritage liquor sales will be allowed at designated wine shops. Heritage liquor sales will also be permitted at airport counters. No liquor consumption will be allowed on shop premises.

Dist Disposal Committees to oversee relocation of wine shops

A District Disposal Committee will be established in each district under the new excise policy. These committees will oversee the relocation of liquor shops, identify potential areas for shops, determine reserve prices, and manage the formation or reorganization of shop groups. In case of unavoidable circumstances, the Excise Commissioner may propose shop closures, with the final decision resting at the state government level.

Heritage Liquor and Wine Production Policy

The policy and system for heritage liquor will remain unchanged from 2024-25. Heritage liquor manufacturers will continue to be exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT).

Under the state's Grape Processing Policy, fruit processing and horticulture expansion will be promoted to increase farmers' income. In addition to grapes and jamun, wine production will be allowed from other fruits and honey produced and collected in Madhya Pradesh.

POS Machines at All Liquor Shops

All liquor shops will be equipped with point-of-sale (POS) machines. Billing and sales will only be done after scanning the Excise Adhesive Label (EAL) on liquor bottles. Blacklisted individuals will not be eligible to apply for liquor shop licenses.