<p>Announcing this, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan denied that it was an attempt at moral policing from his side and cleared that the decision was unanimously taken by the state cabinet. The move was intended to increase people's participation to control alcohol consumption in the state.<br /><br />The government has also banned serving alcohol at all public functions and during ceremonies. The 25-year age limit on drinking, applicable in some other states including Delhi, is among the highest in the world, a senior official said.<br /><br />Fine would be imposed for under-age drinking and there is a provision of more dry days every year. No liquor shop will be allowed within 1 km of educational and social institutions, government offices, religious places and highways.<br /><br />There is also a limit on bottles allowed per individual and a liquor shop or bar may be shut down if 25 per cent of the residents of a municipal ward demand its closure.<br /><br />The measures come ahead of the passage of the state policy on de-addiction, which is being pursued by Shivajirao Moghe, Minister for Social Justice & De-addiction Activities.<br />The government will launch a campaign to curb liquor consumption, especially among youngsters, by releasing advertisements, publicity through different media and even in school textbooks on the hazards of intake of liquor.<br /><br />In a related move, women have been “empowered” in the liquor control programme—25 per cent of women voters in a city ward or a village panchayat can seek closure of any liquor shop in their locality if they found it necessary.<br /></p>
<p>Announcing this, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan denied that it was an attempt at moral policing from his side and cleared that the decision was unanimously taken by the state cabinet. The move was intended to increase people's participation to control alcohol consumption in the state.<br /><br />The government has also banned serving alcohol at all public functions and during ceremonies. The 25-year age limit on drinking, applicable in some other states including Delhi, is among the highest in the world, a senior official said.<br /><br />Fine would be imposed for under-age drinking and there is a provision of more dry days every year. No liquor shop will be allowed within 1 km of educational and social institutions, government offices, religious places and highways.<br /><br />There is also a limit on bottles allowed per individual and a liquor shop or bar may be shut down if 25 per cent of the residents of a municipal ward demand its closure.<br /><br />The measures come ahead of the passage of the state policy on de-addiction, which is being pursued by Shivajirao Moghe, Minister for Social Justice & De-addiction Activities.<br />The government will launch a campaign to curb liquor consumption, especially among youngsters, by releasing advertisements, publicity through different media and even in school textbooks on the hazards of intake of liquor.<br /><br />In a related move, women have been “empowered” in the liquor control programme—25 per cent of women voters in a city ward or a village panchayat can seek closure of any liquor shop in their locality if they found it necessary.<br /></p>