Prohibition in Bihar
Addiction to Liquor is a tragedy but criminalizing its use converts that tragedy into disaster, both for users and society. (paraphrased - Milton Friedman)
We must remember that Liquor Prohibition leads to rise of organised crime, spurious liquor and smuggling. And a disaster is waiting to happen.
One does not wish but many deaths are waiting to happen. Like this one :
In principle, Prohibitions and bans don't work in a democracy, more so in a loosely administered, raucous one like ours.
2) Allow locally brewed liquor in licensed shops only :
3) Ensure certification of local liquors - at the brewery level.
4) Use such revenue to establish certification centers in each district /Tehsil. (Again quality jobs for the young)
5) The Police may be provided with physical resources : vehicles, breathalyzers etc
6) Fund local level meetings of women and shop owners, certification centre employees and "Nashabandi Police" (adds jobs ) Now that GST is being implemented Excise officials dealing with Liquor may be re-trained.
This liquor ecosystem can create 100,000 jobs in tourism, police, certification and regulation.
And make available a surplus of Rs 4000 Cr+ for the state
Addiction to Liquor is a tragedy but criminalizing its use converts that tragedy into disaster, both for users and society. (paraphrased - Milton Friedman)
Sh Nitish Kumar has made these women very happy by enforcing
Prohibition. Patna High Court has struck
down the law, being unconstitutional.
We must remember that Liquor Prohibition leads to rise of organised crime, spurious liquor and smuggling. And a disaster is waiting to happen.
One does not wish but many deaths are waiting to happen. Like this one :
In principle, Prohibitions and bans don't work in a democracy, more so in a loosely administered, raucous one like ours.
The Govt must aim to create decent environment and culture around
drinking and "Madhushala" such that the excesses that upset the women
are avoided. And the revenue from the Liquor Industry is gainfully utilized for
the sorely needed Development Works in the state.
A way forward :
1) Allow IMFL shops and bars in Hotels and
Restaurants
a) aids tourism, one of the best employment generation industry.
b) The Bihar may put additional levy ensuring 10% higher prices than neighboring
states.
c) Set standards and allow anyone who wants to open a bar.
2) Allow locally brewed liquor in licensed shops only :
a) Such liquor shops must have decent hygienic friendly environment for
socializing, with eats
b) Socializing and eating together reduces the excesses and guilt
associated with drinking liquors.
c) The Local women's groups be involved with the staff of local
de-addition centers to moderate the drinking
3) Ensure certification of local liquors - at the brewery level.
4) Use such revenue to establish certification centers in each district /Tehsil. (Again quality jobs for the young)
5) The Police may be provided with physical resources : vehicles, breathalyzers etc
6) Fund local level meetings of women and shop owners, certification centre employees and "Nashabandi Police" (adds jobs ) Now that GST is being implemented Excise officials dealing with Liquor may be re-trained.
This liquor ecosystem can create 100,000 jobs in tourism, police, certification and regulation.
And make available a surplus of Rs 4000 Cr+ for the state
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