Bihar bans liquor, becomes fourth dry state in India

Patna: Following the prohibition on country made liquor in the state, the Bihar government on Tuesday banned liquor completely, making it the fourth dry state in the country. Bihar is now the fourth dry state after Gujarat, Kerala and Nagaland.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that hotels and bars will not serve alcohol anymore and no license will be given, while adding that Army canteens will continue to sell alcohol. During Assembly elections, Nitish had promised that he will start a people’s movement against liquor in the state and ensure that the ban on liquor is effectively implemented. In the 2014-15 the excise collection from the liquor in the state was Rs. 3,700 crore while the target for the 2015-16 was set at Rs. 4,000 crore.

ANI