Dry Times Ahead in Rajasthan: Liquor Sale Banned in State After 8 PM, Violators to Lose Licence Rules CM Ashok Gehlot
In its order, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated that those selling liquor after the authorised time, i.e. after 8 pm will be penalised.
Jaipur, January 20: The Rajasthan government on Saturday issued strict orders to stop the sale of liquor after 8 PM at all shops across the state. In an order, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated that those selling liquor after the authorised time, i.e. after 8 PM will be penalised and strict action will be taken against them. “Those caught selling liquor after 8 pm should be penalised; their shops should be sealed, and licence should be cancelled,” Gehlot told the Excise Department officials.
While addressing a meeting of senior officials at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Saturday, Gehlot said that in 2008, the BJP government had initiated a similar policy to check sale of liquor in state after 8 PM which gave a positive message to the society. He said the same will be implemented across the state even this time. Liquor Home Delivery: Maharashtra Government Takes U-Turn, Devendra Fadnavis Says 'No Plan For Online Sale of Alcohol'.
The Chief Minister also ordered the officials to stop illegal transportation of liquor across the state. During the meeting, it was known that many shopkeepers in the state have been charging higher amount than the Maximum Selling Price (MSP) quoted on the liquor bottles. The Chief Minister directed officials to take strict actions against these shopkeepers.
According to OECD figures, the alcohol consumption in India has risen over 55% over a period of 20 years despite of legal restrictions. In India, consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the states of Bihar, Gujarat and Nagaland as well as the union territory of Lakshadweep. There is a partial ban on alcohol in some districts of Manipur. All the other states in Indian permit alcohol consumption but have fixed a legal drinking age, which ranges at different ages in every state.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 20, 2019 04:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).