New Year Celebrations: Maharashtra State Excise Department Extends Liquor Sale Timings
New Year Celebrations: Maharashtra State Excise Department Extends Liquor Sale Timings
Pune, December 31, 2025: The Maharashtra State Excise Department has announced a temporary extension in liquor sale timings across the state to facilitate New Year celebrations, according to an official order issued under relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.
As per the notification, the relaxation in operating hours will be applicable on December 31, allowing licensed establishments to remain open beyond their usual closing time. The department stated that the move is intended to support festive celebrations while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Under the revised timings, foreign liquor retail shops (FL-2) will be allowed to operate from 10.30 pm to 1.00 am, while FL-2 outlets upgraded to high and super-high categories can remain open from 11.30 pm to 1.00 am. Licences under FLW-2 and FLBR-2 categories have also been permitted to function between 10.30 pm and 1.00 am.
For permit rooms (FL-3), club licences (FL-4), beer bars (Form-E), E-2 licences and CL-3 licences, extended operating hours have been approved with variations based on jurisdiction. In police commissionerate areas, these establishments may operate from 1.30 am to 5.00 am, while in non-commissionerate areas, the permitted timing will be 11.30 pm to 5.00 am.
Beer bars and similar outlets located within municipal corporation limits and ‘A’ and ‘B’ class municipal councils can remain open from 11.00 pm to 1.00 am. In other areas, the allowed operating time will be from 10.00 pm to 1.00 am.
The state government has clarified that district collectors will have the authority to curtail or modify the extended timings if required, keeping in view public peace, law and order, and overall security considerations.
Officials said the decision balances festive convenience with administrative control to prevent any untoward incidents.
Speaking on the preparations, Atul Kanade, Superintendent of the Excise Department, said dedicated enforcement measures have been put in place. “As per the official order, timings have been relaxed for New Year’s Eve. At the same time, 21 special teams have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order. Strict action will be taken against anyone violating the rules,” he said.
