From April 1, Madhya Pradesh will have a new type of bar—'Low Alcoholic Beverage Bars' that will only provide low-alcohol beverages such as beer, wine, and ready-to-drink with a low alcohol percentage of less than 10%. Hard liquors like whiskey, rum, and vodka won't be on the menu.

This is a part of the state's new excise policy, where an attempt is being made to increase the bar culture by regulating the sale of liquor. At present, Madhya Pradesh has about 460-470 bars, but with the arrival of this new category, the numbers are likely to go higher.

Liquor sales prohibited in 19 places

In the second major policy change, liquor sales will be prohibited in 19 places, including some religious places. Accordingly, 47 liquor stores will be closed down, including those in Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Amarkantak, and Salkanpur.

This move is projected to cost the government Rs 450 crore in revenue. However, as opposed to states such as Bihar and Gujarat, where there is a total ban on liquor, Madhya Pradesh will continue to enable individuals to purchase liquor from other regions and drink it without any penalties in these banned areas.

The excise policy will also bring a 20% increase in renewal fees for liquor shops, which will impact existing vendors in the state.

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