Thread: License to Drink

I do not know about other states but in Maharashtra you still require a license to drink and store alcoholic beverages at home. Well, Gujarat is dry, so no issues there.

But this archaic law of the British times still exists. That is why, in MH, bars are called as licensed bars because people with a license can visit there and drink. People mistakenly think that "Licensed Bar" means it has a license to sell liquor. Well that part is also true but the former statement aptly defines the term.

The "License to Drink" law exists on paper only and it is rarely enforced. But some interesting situations are possible:

• Any time the police can walk into a restaurant or bar and can arrest anyone who is drinking and does not have a license to drink.
• Any person who walks into a shop and purchases liquor can be arrested in the absence of the license.
• It gets even more funny.
• By customs baggage rules, any person arriving in India can import two bottles of liquor (max 1 litre each).
• But the minute the person steps out of the customs and steps on the soils of any port in Maharashtra, he can be arrested unless he can produce a license.
• The law does not distinguish a person of foreign origin.

Recently it was proposed in the LC of MH to abolish the (stupid) law and act.

Originally Posted by just4kix

I do not know about other states but in Maharashtra you still require a license to drink and store alcoholic beverages at home. Well, Gujarat is dry, so no issues there.

But this archaic law of the British times still exists. That is why, in MH, bars are called as licensed bars because people with a license can visit there and drink. People mistakenly think that "Licensed Bar" means it has a license to sell liquor. Well that part is also true but the former statement aptly defines the term.

The "License to Drink" law exists on paper only and it is rarely enforced. But some interesting situations are possible:

• Any time the police can walk into a restaurant or bar and can arrest anyone who is drinking and does not have a license to drink.
• Any person who walks into a shop and purchases liquor can be arrested in the absence of the license.
• It gets even more funny.
• By customs baggage rules, any person arriving in India can import two bottles of liquor (max 1 litre each).
• But the minute the person steps out of the customs and steps on the soils of any port in Maharashtra, he can be arrested unless he can produce a license.
• The law does not distinguish a person of foreign origin.

Recently it was proposed in the LC of MH to abolish the (stupid) law and act.

I didnt kno this one....tht in MAharashtra one needs license......as per my knowledge.....every bar or liquor store has to ve a license or maybe permit to sell alcohol....under some ACT....!!!

But for general ppl I really dont think so one needs a license....??? i ve my cousins n frens in mumbai who always ve alcohol....thy neva required any license.....

btw sooo many ppl arnd how n on wht basis will they issue license....??

yes Gujarat being a dry state there is official sales of alcohol on producing the permit...which are given on medical grounds mostly.....or high link ups ....!!!! apart from tht rest all sales is illegal....!!!! Gujarat is one of the states where there is highest liquor sales...!!!

As I said, the law is never enforced. But it exists and people are required to have a license to drink and store liquor. Check this up with your cousins. Either they probably know it or maybe they are unaware.

This law was introduced during the days of prohibition and still continues. The license is issued to:

• Those in armed forces
• Those who require it for medical purposes
• Those who entertained foreign guests

Since it is so difficult to issue licenses, it is never enforced.

LOL..

i was not aware of this law, thanks for information

lol, a news for me..

Hi guys i came across this post and it was quite interesting.

in 2007 I was arrested by cops for drinking without a permit and since then I have been visiting the court once every month.

when I was arrested i didnt know why have the arrested me. and now whn i ask the lawyers about whn this can get over there are no answers to it.

We were a total of 18 people arrested from ten downing street in pune ( its a well known pub) and most of the people who were arrested have left the town , I m told that till all the 18 people are not in the court together this case cant move forward.

there is no information on the net and so I have to just go by wht the lawyers tell me.

Kind request to anyone who has information about this. Anyone who can show an exit door from this is rwequested to raise hands . It will be much appreciated.

you can reach me at amar.gulwade@gmail.com

Regards
Amar

Amar
Your lawyer is some what correct that the trial will not go forward any time soon as all the "accused" are not present.
In Indian legal system ,these things can drag even 10-20 years.
But I think your lawyer is milking you because I think you are paying him when you appear for each "Voida" ( he /his junior will be standing by before magistrate) while you have to stand in the "Accused" booth- while they call your name.
Apply for "APPEAR ON SUMMONS" ( means no more voida and they will send you regd letter if they need you. If the current lawyer does not agree ,find one in the court itself (there will 100's hanging around ).
You can not ask the judge.A lawyer has to submit this petition when your name is called during court visit.
worst case- judge will start giving you longer dates- every 3 months like that not 30 days like now.
This will give 3-7 years relief even -from appearing for monthly voida at the magistrate court.
Finally this will get dismissed (but after 10-15 years) Till then you are out on bail.You can not do any thing about it.
There are talented lawyers who can apply special petition and hurry up & close the case. But it will cost you. Apart from cost- if you want to hurry up- you have to accept the crime and they will give sentencing. I doubt they will send you back to prison. usually fine.
For your kind info- all judges have broker lawyer for fine+ kick back negotiation.
System can not conduct trial - case will be dismissed- wait 10 years minimum- But you dont get convicted for the offence.
you hurry it up and want to close-you need to accept the crime.
you were just unlucky being in the bar.
police just wanted monthly quota -case target achievement.
Popular Bar owner does pay monthly "envelope" .Still they want to show who is the Boss. harassing ordinary customers.