As the State Government mulling over significant overhaul of its Excise policy, it has introduced in first phase ban on liquor vends in 17 holy towns of the State that will come in to effect from Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Remarkably, it includes temple town of Ujjain where offering of alcohol takes place to Lord Kaal Bhairav as a tradition. Officials confirmed that the custom will remain intact although liquor counters previously situated near the temple will no longer operate, as they fall within the municipal limits ban. Notably, outside the Lord Kaal Bhairav temple, vendors sell baskets containing traditional offerings such as coconuts, flowers, and bottles of liquor, an essential part of the worship ritual for devotees.

 

As far as the discontinuation of this sacred custom, the temple management committee will now oversee and ensure the availability of liquor for the deity’s worship,” a senior official in the Excise Department replied. Apart from this, the decision enforces the closure of liquor outlets in revered areas such as Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, Amarkantak, Salkanpur, Barman Kalan, Linga, Barman Khurd, Kundalpur and Bandakpur.

 

The prohibition of alcohol sales aims to uphold the sanctity of these towns, with no new licenses to be issued from April 1. Under the new policy, no licenses for wine outlets will be issued or permitted to operate in these areas from April 1, 2025. The operation and administration of liquor shops in new districts will be managed by the respective district collectors. To support tribal communities, wine and heritage liquor sales will be allowed at designated wine shops. Heritage liquor sales will also be permitted at airport counters. No liquor consumption will be allowed on shop premises.