Maharashtra Goes Dry Today: Over 20,000 Bars Shut in Massive Protest Against Liquor Tax Hike in Pune & Others

On July 14, over 11,500 hotel bars in Maharashtra will halt alcohol service today. This is a protest against the recent tax hikes on liquor. The Hotel and Restaurant Association HRAWI has initiated this 'Bar Bandh' to highlight the threat these taxes pose to the industry. Regional associations from cities like Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik are joining this effort.

The protest involves more than 20,000 bars and restaurants across Maharashtra. They aim to express their discontent with the 60% rise in excise duty, VAT increase from 5% to 10%, and a yearly 15% hike in licence renewal fees for FY26. This coordinated action is one of the largest protests in Maharashtra's hospitality sector.

Hotel Bars Closed Today in These Cities of Maharashtra

Following the advisory issued by Hotel And Restaurant Association-Western India (HRAWI), regional hotel associations across several cities, such as Palghar, Vasai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and Nashik have confirmed their support and agreed not to serve alcohol within their hotel premises.

The Rs 1.5 lakh crore liquor industry is facing a severe crisis due to steep tax hikes, according to the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR). The association warned that the hospitality sector across Maharashtra is under immense financial strain.

Announcing a statewide protest, AHAR President Sudhakar Shetty said, "The entire hospitality sector in Maharashtra is bleeding. Our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. On July 14, every bar and permit room in the state will be shut in protest. Entire Maharashtra bars will remain shut against the state government's draconian taxation."

HRAWI warns that these tax changes could lead to closures of bars and permit rooms, resulting in over four lakh job losses. Additionally, there might be a decline in tourist numbers and an increase in unregulated alcohol consumption in public areas.

"This tax hike is nothing short of an existential threat to the hospitality sector. For many establishments, this triple blow will mean shutting shop permanently. By participating in this protest, our members are not expressing dissent, they are fighting for survival," Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI announced.

Maharashtra's tourism and hospitality supports over 20 lakh jobs and attracts more than 15 crore tourists annually. However, with the new tax regime, operating a licensed bar could become prohibitively expensive.