We, bar owners, restaurant operators, permit room holders of Maharashtra, strongly oppose the massive and unfair hike in duty Fee and liquor license fees recently imposed by the State Excise Department And The Government of Maharashtra.

The duty Fee on liquor bottles has been increased by 60%, and the liquor license renewal fees have gone up by 15%. This sudden and steep hike is unreasonable and will severely impact thousands of small businesses and lakhs of families who depend on this industry for their livelihood.

The problem:

➡️ The 60% duty fee hike will make liquor bottles costlier, leading to higher prices for consumers and encouraging black marketing and illegal liquor trade.

➡️ The 15% increase in license renewal fees will push small bar owners, permit rooms, and restaurants deeper into financial crisis — especially when many are still recovering from pandemic losses.

➡️ Higher costs will directly affect employment in the hospitality, tourism, and service sectors, leading to potential job losses.

➡️ No public consultation or stakeholder discussion was held before announcing such a drastic increase.

Our demands:

🔹 Rollback the 60% duty Fee hike on liquor bottles.

🔹 Withdraw the 15% increase in liquor license renewal fees.

🔹 Hold fair consultations with all stakeholders before any future changes.

🔹 Implement a balanced and reasonable excise policy that supports government revenue without destroying small businesses and jobs.

We appeal to the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Finance Minister, and the State Excise Commissioner to urgently withdraw this unfair hike and protect the interest of thousands of businesses, workers, and consumers across the state