How to Obtain a Microbrewery Excise License in Maharashtra (2026 Guide)

How to Obtain a Microbrewery License in Maharashtra: Complete 2026 Guide

Maharashtra is one of India's most attractive states for craft beer and microbrewery investments. With the introduction of specific provisions for craft beer and microbreweries under the Maharashtra Manufacture of Beer and Wine Rules, entrepreneurs now have a clearer regulatory pathway for establishing brewery operations.

However, obtaining a microbrewery license involves much more than applying to the Excise Department. Multiple approvals from various government authorities are required before a brewery can legally commence production and sales.

This guide outlines the licensing process, required approvals, documentation, fees, and key considerations for setting up a microbrewery in Maharashtra.

What is a Microbrewery?

Under Maharashtra regulations, a Microbrewery is a brewery manufacturing craft beer with an annual production capacity of up to 15 lakh litres per year.

Craft beer may be sold in kegs, bottles, cans, casks, and growlers, subject to Maharashtra Excise regulations. The permitted alcohol content for craft beer is generally capped at 8% ABV.

Legal Framework

Microbreweries in Maharashtra are primarily governed by:

• Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949
• Maharashtra Manufacture of Beer and Wine Rules, 1966
• Maharashtra Manufacture of Beer and Wine (Amendment) Rules, 2024
• Maharashtra State Excise Department regulations

Under Section 12 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, no person may manufacture liquor or construct and operate a brewery without the appropriate licence issued by the State Government.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Microbrewery License

Step 1: Company Formation

Before applying for any licence, establish a legal business entity:

• Private Limited Company
• LLP
• Partnership Firm
• Proprietorship (where applicable)

Obtain:

• PAN
• TAN
• GST Registration
• Bank Account

Step 2: Finalize the Location

Select a suitable site considering:

• Municipal zoning requirements
• Water availability
• Power availability
• Wastewater disposal
• Accessibility for logistics

Ensure ownership documents or lease agreements are in place.

Step 3: Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR)

A DPR should include:

• Business overview
• Brewery capacity
• Brewing process flow
• Equipment specifications
• Utility requirements
• Financial projections
• Employment generation
• Layout drawings

A professionally prepared DPR often accelerates approval timelines.

Step 4: Obtain Statutory Approvals

Before final excise approval, a microbrewery typically requires approvals from multiple departments.

1. Maharashtra State Excise Department

Primary licensing authority responsible for:

• Letter of Intent (LOI)
• Brewery License (BRL)
• Production permissions
• Excise compliance

2. FSSAI License

Beer is a food product under Indian law.

You may require:

• FSSAI Manufacturing License
• FSSAI Registration for associated restaurant operations

This ensures compliance with food safety regulations.

3. Factory License or Shop & Establishment Registration

Depending on the business structure:

Factory License

Applicable when the brewery qualifies as a factory under the Factories Act.

Shop & Establishment Registration

Typically required for brewpubs, taprooms, and commercial establishments.

4. Legal Metrology (Weights & Measures)

Required when:

• Selling packaged beer
• Using weighing equipment
• Using calibrated measuring instruments

Compliance may include:

• Registration under Legal Metrology laws
• Periodic calibration of measuring devices
• Label compliance for packaged products

5. Municipal Corporation Approvals

Depending on location:

• Trade Licence
• Municipal NOC
• Building Approval
• Occupancy Certificate
• Signage Permissions

Local municipal approvals are often among the most time-consuming requirements.

6. Fire Department NOC

Fire authorities typically inspect:

• Fire exits
• Fire extinguishers
• Hydrant systems
• Emergency evacuation plans
• LPG and gas installations

7. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)

Generally requires:

Consent to Establish (CTE)

Before construction.

Consent to Operate (CTO)

Before commencing commercial production.

MPCB reviews:

• Effluent treatment
• Wastewater discharge
• Solid waste management
• Environmental compliance

8. Electrical and Utility Approvals

May include:

• Industrial electrical connection
• Electrical inspector approvals
• Boiler approvals (if applicable)
• Compressed gas system approvals

Step 5: Apply for Letter of Intent (LOI)

The applicant submits:

• Prescribed application
• Project report
• Layout drawings
• Ownership documents
• Identity documents
• Applicable fees

The application is submitted through the State Excise Department.

Upon approval, the applicant receives a Letter of Intent (LOI).

Step 6: Construct and Commission the Brewery

After receiving the LOI:

• Install brewing equipment
• Complete civil works
• Install utilities
• Complete safety systems
• Obtain all statutory approvals

Step 7: Excise Inspection

Excise authorities may inspect:

• Brewing equipment
• Fermentation capacity
• Storage facilities
• Metering systems
• Security arrangements
• Documentation

Any deficiencies identified should be corrected before final approval.

Step 8: Payment of License Fees

Current BRL licence fees include:

Production Capacity Annual Fee

• Up to 2,00,000 cases/year ₹10,62,600
• Above 2,00,000 cases/year ₹5.35 per case

Applicable fees may be revised periodically by the Government of Maharashtra.

Step 9: Obtain Final Brewery License

After:

• Successful inspection
• Fee payment
• Submission of all approvals

The State Excise Department issues the brewery licence, allowing legal production of beer.

Documents Required

Corporate Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN
• TAN
• GST Registration
• MOA & AOA (for companies)
• Partnership Deed (if applicable)

Property Documents

• Ownership documents
• Lease agreement
• Owner NOC
• Property tax records

Technical Documents

• Detailed Project Report
• Brewery Layout
• Equipment Specifications
• Process Flow Diagram
• Utility Drawings

Regulatory Documents

• FSSAI Licence
• Factory Licence or Shop & Establishment Registration
• Fire NOC
• MPCB Consent
• Municipal Approvals
• Legal Metrology Registration
• Electrical Approvals

Operational Readiness Before Production

Authorities increasingly evaluate operational preparedness before granting approvals.

Key areas include:

Hygiene & Sanitation

• CIP systems
• Cleaning SOPs
• Keg sanitation
• Beer line cleaning programs

Quality Management

• Raw material quality checks
• Laboratory testing
• Traceability systems
• Batch records

Safety Compliance

• PPE programs
• Chemical handling procedures
• CO₂ safety systems
• Emergency response plans

Common Reasons for Delays

Many brewery projects experience delays due to:

• Incomplete documentation
• Missing NOCs
• Incorrect layouts
• Water availability issues
• Delays in MPCB approvals
• Municipal approval delays
• Excise compliance gaps

Early planning can significantly reduce project timelines.

Conclusion

Obtaining a microbrewery licence in Maharashtra requires coordination between multiple government departments, including the State Excise Department, FSSAI, MPCB, Municipal Corporation, Fire Department, Legal Metrology, and Factory or Shop & Establishment authorities.

A well-planned project with complete documentation, compliant brewery design, and timely regulatory submissions can substantially improve approval timelines and help entrepreneurs launch their brewery successfully.