Why In News?

• The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act of 2016 is a significant legislation aimed at enforcing a complete ban on the sale, consumption, and transportation of liquor and intoxicants within the state.
• Over time, the law has undergone several amendments to address various challenges and improve its effectiveness.

Enforcing Complete Prohibition:

=> The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, is a law that imposes a comprehensive ban on the sale, consumption, and transportation of liquor and intoxicants in Bihar.

=> Its primary objective is to promote social welfare and address issues such as domestic violence and crimes against women.

Recent Modification: Vehicle Release:

=> A noteworthy recent change in Bihar’s prohibition law pertains to the release of vehicles impounded for transporting liquor.

=> Previously, individuals were required to pay 50% of the insurance cover to secure the release of their impounded vehicles.

=> However, the state Cabinet has recently reduced this amount to a mere 10% of the insurance cover, with a maximum cap of Rs 5 lakh.

Previous Amendments:

=> The prohibition law has witnessed several amendments in the past.

=> These amendments include the provision for the release of first-time drinkers on the spot, subject to a fine.

=> Additionally, the confiscation of the offender’s home has been reversed, and compensation has been restored to hooch victims.

=> These amendments were aimed at addressing concerns regarding the law’s impact on individuals and communities.

Reasons for Frequent Changes:

=> The Bihar prohibition law has undergone frequent amendments due to various factors.

=> The lack of interest from other states in adopting a similar blanket ban on liquor, ineffective implementation of the law, criticism from courts and opposition parties, and diminishing political expediency have collectively contributed to the need for continuous adjustments.