The new wine policy of Maharashtra and why it’s getting all the attention

There have been several news reports regarding the new wine policy of the Maharashtra govt, which has made social activist Anna Hazare going on an indefinite hunger strike from February 14. He is going on this strike to protest against this wine policy that will allow the sale of wine in grocery stores. (Image courtesy: iStock)

Also Read: 5 places in India where the best wines are made

As per reports, nearly after 20 years, a new wine policy has been given nod by the Maharashtra Cabinet on January 28. This policy will allow the sale of wine at grocery shops and supermarkets that are operating with an area of more than 1,000 square feet. It also states that the supermarkets wishing to sell wine must pay a fee of INR 5,000. According to the statement of Minister for Skill Development Nawab Malik, “Wine bottles can be sold in supermarkets or shops with area more than 1,000 square feet where the operators will be allowed to have a stall for wines. The decision will give a boost to fruit-based wineries which provide additional income to farmers and wine producers in the state.”

The new wine policy also states that if there is any supermarket near the place of educational institution or worship, the government will not provide approval to such places to sell wine. Until now, only the registered wine stores were selling wines.

Also read: Look out for these wine trends in 2022

Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi or the MVA govt., has stood behind this new wine policy and says that it will boost the wine industry. As per the data available, the Indian wine industry has a turnover of around INR 1,000 crore in India and Maharashtra which has the largest share in it with about 65 per cent of income coming from Nashik, Pune and Sangli. While the policy has got its share of fair opposition from several prominent people like pf Maharashtra. However, there are others who are supporting this new wine policy. According to Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, “The Maharashtra government's decision would double the farmers' income. He also told ANI that “Wine is not liquor. If wine sale increases, farmers will get benefit from it. We've done this to double farmers' income.”