Maharashtra To Allow Sale Of Wine In Supermarkets And Walk-In Stores

by Suchismita Pal
Maharashtra To Allow Sale Of Wine In Supermarkets And Walk-In Stores

Wines produced in Maharashtra are popular all over India. To give a boost to the wine industry of the state, the Maharashtra cabinet has cleared the proposal to permit the sale of wine in supermarkets and walk-in stores. The establishments selling wines must have a minimum area of 1000 square feet. These supermarkets and walk-in stores need to pay a licencing fee of 5,000 to sell wines. This welcome move by the state cabinet will also help vineyard farmers earn greater profits.

 

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The Wine Bottles Will Be Sold For Off-Consumption Purposes

When in Maharashtra, you no longer need to find a dedicated liquor store to hoard some quality wines. As from now on, they will be available in supermarkets and walk-in stores. The wine bottles will be sold for off-consumption purposes and there must be a separate shelf of 2.25 cubic metres for them. Also, the shelf must be a lockable one to make sure that the bottles do not get mixed with other products. Supermarkets in proximity to religious places and educational institutes will not have permission to keep wines.

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The Move Aims To Increase Revenue Of Wine Industry By Five-Fold

Apart from having a minimum area of 1000 square feet, these stores must be registered under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017. India is home to around 110 wineries. Among these, nearly 72 are in Maharashtra. Around 45 of them are functional. The decision to allow the sale of wines in supermarkets can raise the annual revenue of the state’s wine industry from around ₹1000 crores to ₹5000 crores by 2023, as per reports. Meanwhile, Bangalore Sells Tetra Packs Of Alcohol & Here’s Why It’s A Damn Cool Idea!