The Manipur Government has now issued the draft Manipur Liquor Regulation Policy; amid ongoing protests against the state cabinet’s decision to partially lift the prohibition on liquor production, consumption and sales to boost the state’s revenue.

Aiming to generate employment and boost state’s revenue, this draft policy presented on Tuesday seeks to address the issue of the black market for liquor, caused by the prohibition and threat of illicit narcotics.

According to the draft, the policy aims to eradicate distillation, transportation, possession, consumption and sale of illicit liquor and place restrictions on both the availability of locally-produced alcohol and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).

It aims to lessen “the impact of illicit and adulterated liquor on health” and “the demand of intoxicating drinks”.

The draft said that manufacturing and sale of local brew or country liquor without an Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification would be prohibited. It mentioned that the co-operative groups will aid in the production of local brew.

The policy’s goal is to restrict access to liquor in the state. In accordance to the same, liquor would not be sold or served to anyone under 25 years, it added.

Liquor would only be sold at outlets, that have been granted a government licence; and managed either by a government agency or the license holder.

“Dry days at least once a week and on national/state holidays/ any day fixed by the government will be implemented. Manufacturing of beer and wine from locally available fruits and materials for export would be promoted, and application for GI (Geographical Indication) tag would be pursued,” stated the draft.

Its worthy to note that the cabinet of Chief Minister – N Biren Singh on September 20 decided to partially lift the ban on brewing, consumption and sale of liquor.

Addressing the mediapersons on Tuesday after a cabinet meeting, the Minister of Tribal Affairs & Hills Development – Letpao Haokip asserted that the ban would be lifted from all the district headquarters including Imphal city, tourist destinations, hotels with at least 20-bed lodging facilities, and camps of security forces.

However, those transporting liquor from one place to another would require possessing a permit.

The partial lifting of prohibition would generate at least Rs 600 crore of annual revenue. This decision, was taken in view of health hazards caused by the consumption of toxic liquor; he claimed.