CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Says that All Open-air Bars Will Shut Down from April 1 in Madhya Pradesh

All the liquor vends and open-air bars will close down in Madhya Pradesh from April 1, in a decision by Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday.

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: March 13, 2023

CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that all Ahatas in Madhya Pradesh will only stay operational until 31 March, as from 1 April 2023, these will close down. So, whoever wishes to drink alcohol, may do so, but only at home by purchasing the same from liquor shops. The Chief Minister of MP was speaking about the decision in the foundation stone laying program, which took place at Sheopur Medical College. The call to close the ahatas is possibly cut down on alcohol intake by people in Madhya Pradesh.

No public consumption of alcohol will be allowed. The Ahatas will not be allowed to sell or anyone to purchase alcohol after this month’s end. The decision also makes it mandatory for all open-air vends for alcohol to close down. Thus, one can only purchase or sell alcohol at liquor shops over the counter. As per Narottam Mishra, the state Home Minister, the cabinet has already given approval for the proposal of closing down open-air bars functional in the state.

The Home Minister of the state also confirmed that over-the-counter activities for the sale and purchase of alcohol are the only accepted method for alcohol distribution. Mishra said that no new liquor shops closed since 2010 in the state and that they have taken the current decision to discourage alcohol consumption by people.

The new liquor policy had stricter enforcement of rules. It includes driving license suspension for those found drinking and driving. Also, it has been noted that the minimum distance from religious and educational places that liquor shops have to maintain is 100 meters. Earlier this distance was slated at 50 meters only.