India: Maharashtra authorizes selling of wine in supermarkets and general stores to help farmers

The Maharashtra government has authorized the selling of wine in supermarkets and general stores throughout the state. On Thursday, the proposal was approved by the state cabinet. Supermarkets and establishments with a floor space of more than 1,000 square feet will be permitted to sell wine. They will have to create a dedicated space for this. "This step has been taken to help and strengthen wine producers and farmers in the state," said Nawab Malik, the state's skill development minister. This will benefit all small and medium-sized wineries in the state." He also claimed that wines have a low level of pure spirits and are often utilized in restaurants and bakeries for food preparation and therefore there is a huge demand for wine in stores. A one-liter bottle of wine sold in supermarkets and general stores will be subject to an excise duty of Rs.10 each. This will add Rs.5 crore to the state government's coffers. It would also assist the government in comprehending and ...