Govt issues draft Liquor Policy ; Series of don'ts listed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 05 2022: Amid strong opposition by a section of people against lifting prohibition, the State Government has issued a draft Manipur Liquor Regulation Policy to regulate the sale and manufacture of liquor in the State.

Prepared with primary objectives to generate employment and revenue of the State, the key features mentioned in the draft policy include eradication of distillation, transportation, possession, consumption and sale of illicit liquor; restricting the availability of local liquor as well as Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL); reducing the impact of illicit and adulterated liquor on health and demand of intoxicating drinks and addressing the problems of the black market in liquor on account of 'prohibition' .

Notably, Chief Minister N Biren had said yesterday that the Government would take suggestions from CSOs and womenfolk who have been demanding cancellation of the Cabinet decision taken on September 20 last to legalize liquor before implementing liquor policy in the State.

As per the draft policy, manufacture and sale of local brew/country liquor in Manipur without FSSAI certification (safety standard) would be prohibited while emphasis would be laid on manufacturing of local brew with FSSAI certification mainly for sale outside Manipur.

The Government will also provide technical and other support for producing quality local liquor through co-operative societies.

The draft Manipur Liquor Regulation Policy also mentioned that IMFL and country liquor would only be available at the outlets licensed by the Government and managed by a Government agency/license holder.

License for sale/serving of IMFL/country would be given at specified hotels and tourist spots having minimum facility (at least 20 rooms) and hygienic conditions while the legal age for buying and selling liquor would be 25 as per the draft liquor policy.

No liquor vendor will be allowed to open within 100 metre of National Highways, hospitals, educational institutions and places of worship, the draft assured and maintained that "Dry Days"would be observed at least once a week and on National/State holidays or any other days fixed by the Government.

The draft further said that a strong enforcement mechanism would be put in place to ensure safety standards given by FSSAI are followed while manufacturing local brew.

The Government also aims to promote awareness among the people about the harmful effects of liquor and intoxicating drinks through IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities and establish rehabilitation centres.

In terms of generating employment and revenue of the State, the Government will promote locally available fruits and material by manufacturing wine and beer from it for exporting and apply for GI tag to promote local products.

The draft also said that a certain percentage of revenue generated will be set apart for employment generation schemes and implementing projects for women and youth.

The draft guidelines also stated that drinking liquor in public places would attract a fine of Rs 5000 with minimum of 24 hours imprisonment.

"Driving a motor vehicle in a drunken state if found with Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) exceeding 30 mg of intake per 100 ml of blood detected with the help of a breath analyser is punishable under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act,1988," it added.

Liquor sale would be allowed from 10 am till 9 pm under Rule 332 of the Manipur Excise Rules 2022, it added.

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