Uttarakhand Government Reverses Decision on Home Mini-Bars

October 12, 2023

In a recent turn of events, the Uttarakhand government has decided to cancel a newly introduced provision that would have allowed homeowners to obtain licenses for maintaining mini-bars in their residences. This move came in response to strong opposition and criticism from various quarters, who felt that permitting mini-bars in the state, often referred to as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ (Land of the Gods), was inappropriate.

The Provision Details

Under the now-cancelled provision, the state government had established a system for issuing licenses for maintaining mini-bars in homes.
These licenses carried an annual fee of Rs 12,000 and came with specific conditions and limitations.
License holders were permitted to store a maximum of 9 liters of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), 18 liters of foreign alcohol, 9 liters of wine, and 15.6 liters of beer at any given time.
Obtaining a home mini-bar license required the submission of an affidavit affirming compliance with certain criteria.
The mini-bars were intended exclusively for personal use, with no commercial activities permitted.
Additionally, these mini-bars were required to remain closed on notified dry days, ensuring responsible consumption and adherence to local regulations.

Comparison with Other States

It is worth noting that the idea of allowing home mini-bars is not unique to Uttarakhand.
Similar provisions exist in the excise policies of other states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, where residents can apply for licenses to maintain mini-bars in their homes for personal use.

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