Come Monday and alcohol will not be available in Mizoram. State Excise and Narcotics Minister K. Beichhua said the MNF government had taken the step to save future generations from the menace of alcohol and drugs, and establish a clean Mizo society.
Fulfilling its pre-poll promise, the Mizo National Front (MNF) government last week unanimously passed the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 to again ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in the northeastern state after four years. The ban comes into force from April 1.
Beichhua said the State government stands to lose Rs 70 crore annually in revenues following the decision. “But the loss of revenue is much less than the loss of human life and suffering. Larger societal benefit is more vital,” Beichhua told IANS in a telephonic interview.
The Minister said that the MNF government had decided to ban production, import, sale and consumption of liquor for the common people, except defence personnel and those with medical needs.