Bill to lift prohibition from Mizoram

Mizoram Excise and Narcotics minister R. Lalzirliana today said efforts are being made to introduce the Mizoram Excise Bill, 2014 in the state assembly during the coming session, which would automatically repeal the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995.
Lalzirliana told reporters that the Mizoram Excise Bill, 2014 was already drafted and was being examined by legal experts after which it would be sent to the state Law Department.
"We intend to introduce the bill during the coming session of the state legislature which was scheduled to commence from March 18," he said.
He said, following the passage of the bill, wine shops would be opened in some places but bars will not be allowed.

The proposed legislation would provide stringent punishment for offences regarding intoxication and liquor related crimes, he added.
Prohibition was imposed in the state since February 20, 1997 and there had been many people who felt that the dry law did more harm than good to the society besides huge loss to the state exchequer during the past 17 years prompting the state government to lift prohibition.