The Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposed amendments to the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016. The changes dials down on punishment to first-time “drinkers” and lets them get away with a fine rather than face arrest. Moveable and immoveable assets of arrested liquor traders would be confiscated while frequent drinkers would be fined as well as imprisoned.
The proposed amendments are likely to be brought to the Legislative Assembly during the ongoing budget session. It will be the fourth time the Act would be amended if they are passed. The government has not yet divulged the amount of fine to be imposed on first-time drinkers, sources said that it would be “reasonable” as the basic idea behind the relaxation is to avoid jails getting clogged.
Complete News Source : The Indian Express
