Madhya Pradesh government is going to make changes in the liquor policy. Till now auction was done by forming groups of shops (MP Liquor Shops), but now a single shop will be auctioned. This will increase competition and also increase revenue. The new policy will come into effect from April 1.
By Prashant Pandey
Published Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2025 07:43:31 AM (IST)
Updated Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2025 07:50:30 AM (IST)
HighLights
- Emphasis will be on single shop auction instead of renovation.
- Shops will be opened in tribal areas with the permission of Gram Sabha.
- After the approval of the cabinet, the new policy will be implemented from April 1.
State Bureau, Naiduniya, Bhopal (MP Liquor Policy). Madhya Pradesh government will change the liquor policy this time. Till now the auction was done by forming groups of shops but for the year 2025-26, there will be auction of a single shop. This will create competition and increase revenue.
There are 3,605 composite liquor shops in the state, which were auctioned in groups of 1,100. It has been decided that liquor shops will be opened in tribal areas only with the permission of the Gram Sabha. Some shops located near religious places will also be closed. The proposed policy for 2025-26 is likely to be presented in the Cabinet soon.
The process was done by forming groups of shops
The system of composite shops has been implemented in the state instead of separate shops for domestic and foreign liquor. The renewal was done by increasing the annual price by 15 percent. Since the process was done by grouping shops, most of the shops went into renovation.
Those who were not renewed, the annual price was reduced. This time the emphasis will be on auction of a single shop instead of renovation. Commercial Tax Department officials say that this will increase competition and new people will also get a chance. Revenue will also come more. In 2003, there was a system of single shop auction.
Government can explore the option of enclosure
Shivraj government had decided to close the compound in 2023. The logic behind this was that serving liquor while sitting in the courtyard was having a negative impact on law and order. Fights happen. However, after the closure of this system, people have started drinking alcohol around the shop, due to which the common man is facing problems. Keeping this in view, provision for alternative arrangements can be made.
Shops located near religious places may be closed
Liquor shops located around some other religious places including Ujjain may be closed. In fact, after the construction of Mahakal Lok, the number of tourists coming from all over the country has increased significantly. Many times the law and order situation around liquor shops goes awry. This sends a wrong message, so some shops may be closed.
