Prohibition and Dry Laws

Bootleggers face death in Gujarat
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Ahmedabad, July 15: The Narendra Modi government has proposed capital punishment for those linked to bootlegging deaths, an amendment aimed at checking the backlash that followed last week’s hooch tragedy that killed around 150 people.

According to the provisions introduced in the Assembly today, those found guilty of dealing in illicit liquor that kills people will be sent to the gallows and negligent police officers will be imprisoned.

The entire chain — those who brew the illicit liquor or transport, stock or sell it — will be liable for capital punishment if the banned beverage leads to deaths.

If bootleggers are arrested during regular raids and are not linked to deaths, they will face life imprisonment.

Those involved in selling and possessing stock of illicit liquor in similar cases will face jail of up to 10 years.

Negligent police and prohibition officials will face one year’s imprisonment.

There has been quite a discussion going on in the media on the need for prohibition and dry laws in Gujarat. Their contention is that the dry laws are the reason for the clandestine trade and the deaths due to adulteration.
Vijay Mallya too has pipped in with his opinion that the dry laws should be removed. Of course, we do not have to consider his opinion because he has his own selfish motives. After all he is the largest masnufacturer and richest bootlegger(legal) in India.
Most state government take the easier path.
They legalize alcohol and also earn revenue.
It is to the credit of the Gujarat government that they have resisted all pressure inspite of loss in revenue.
However, just strict laws will not help.
Those who have caught on to the habit will not be able to give it up unless they are helped by the government. The Gujarat government should detoxify and de-addict all the alcoholics. Then only will it be able to make the state completely dry.
Every year, lakhs of families are ruined because of alcohol although they do not take adulterated alcohol.The adulterated stuff kills but the unadulterated one ruins.
The government may gain in revenue but it loses in productivity, morality and family peace.
Vijay Mallya and the likes of him should be allowed to manufacture but only for fuel in motor vehicles and not for human consumption.
They are the biggest threat to society.