Maharashtra Government has decided to ban sale of liquor in plastic bottles and tetrapaks fearing that such packs may cause harmful effect on the health of consumers. The ban, which comes into effect from April 1, 2016, will be applicable on alcoholic beverages and liquors manufactured in Maharashtra as well as imported into the state.
A Maharashtra Government Resolution, issued on January 11, 2016, also cited harmful effect of plastics on environment for banning polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle in liquor. In addition, the resolution makes it mandatory for manufacturers to use only virgin material for making glass bottles, used to pack spirits.
This information was shared by state government with the Bombay High Court, which was hearing a public interest litigation seeking a ban on sale of liquor in PET bottles or plastic bottles, according to a PTI report.
The PIL filed by Global Enviro Solutions, an NGO, alleged that plastic material was soluble and migrated into the stored alcohol causing cancer to consumers.
