The Dry States in India: Alcohol-Banned States

Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep are the dry states in India, as the Indian Govt. has alcohol banned states in India & union territories. Alcohol consumption is quite common in India, but there are certain regions where it is strictly prohibited. These areas are known as dry states in India. Various cultural, social and political factors mainly determine the alcohol prohibition in India.

Article 47 of the Indian Constitution

Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution prohibits the consumption of harmful alcohol. However, each state can decide whether to implement this principle. Therefore, alcohol regulations vary across the country.

Dry States Meaning

In India, some states have implemented a concept called “dry state” or “alcohol prohibition.” Here’s a breakdown of what it means:

• Dry State: A state where the sale, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages are completely banned or heavily restricted.
  
• Alcohol Prohibition: This refers to the legal act of forbidding the production, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic drinks.

Essentially, a dry state in India enforces a form of alcohol prohibition within its borders.

Here are some additional points to note:

• Variations in Dry States: Not all dry states are created equal. Some may completely ban alcohol, while others might allow limited sales for medicinal purposes or permit zones with specific regulations.
  
• Reasons for Dry States: The reasons for implementing dry states can vary. Social concerns about alcohol abuse, religious beliefs, and promoting a healthy society are some common factors.
  
• The Debate on Dry States: The effectiveness of dry states is a topic of debate. While some argue it reduces alcohol-related problems, others point to the rise of illegal liquor markets and potential negative social consequences.

Understanding dry states gives you a clearer picture of the varying regulations on alcohol consumption across different regions in India.

Legal Drinking Age in India

The legal drinking age in India varies from state to state, and the age for consuming and buying alcohol also differs.

The table compares the legal drinking age in various states of India.

States/UTs	Legal Drinking Age
Andhra Pradesh	21
Arunachal Pradesh	18
Assam	21
Bihar	Prohibited
Chhattisgarh	21
Goa	18
Gujarat	Prohibited
Haryana	21
Himachal Pradesh	18
Jammu and Kashmir	18
Jharkhand	Prohibited
Karnataka	21
Kerala	18
Madhya Pradesh	25
Maharashtra	21
Manipur	Prohibited (Except for Tribals)
Meghalaya	18
Mizoram	18
Nagaland	18
Odisha	25
Punjab	21
Rajasthan	21
Sikkim	18
Tamil Nadu	21
Telangana	21
Tripura	18
Uttar Pradesh	21
Uttarakhand	21
West Bengal	21
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	18
Chandigarh	21
Dadra and Nagar Haveli	18
Daman and Diu	18
Delhi National Capital Territory (NCT)	21
Lakshadweep	Prohibited
Puducherry	20

Please note that the legal drinking age varies across states and union territories due to different regulations and cultural contexts. Some states have completely banned alcohol consumption, while others permit it with varying age limits.

Understanding Dry Days and Their Importance

People do not particularly enjoy dry days. Alcohol sales in stores, bars, and lodging establishments are prohibited on dry days. Election-related holidays or state-level holidays are now possible. Some states prohibit the sale of alcohol on certain holidays.

These days are observed by most Indian states on significant national holidays and occasions, including Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, Republic Day on January 26, and Shaheed Diwas on January 30. In India, dry days are also observed when voting.

The State Election Commission (SEC) clarified that Maharashtra’s teachers and graduates’ constituency elections will only take place on January 30, the day the sale and supply of alcohol is prohibited.

List of Dry States in India

In a few states, the government has outlawed the sale of alcoholic beverages, making any business activity involving alcoholic beverages illegal. Chapter IV of the Constitution discusses the DPSP (Directive Principles of State Policy).  It is not permitted to consume intoxicants that are unhealthy for the body, such as alcohol. The dry states claim this will support the morality principle and are a positive step toward social change in their state.

Lets find out How many dry states in India. Here is the list of dry states in India:

1. Bihar

Bihar is one of the states that has recognized the significant threat posed by the increasing problem of alcoholism. The state government’s proposal to amend the Bihar Excise Act of 1915 resulted in the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act of 2016. Now you’re wondering When was alcohol banned in Bihar? So Bihar implemented a complete alcohol ban in 2016.

2. Gujarat

Since the division of Gujarat and Maharashtra in 1960, Gujarat has been recognized as a state that prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol. This restriction is enforced through the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949, which remains in effect in Gujarat. Gujarat has had a prohibition on alcohol since 1960, making it the first state in India to implement such a ban.

3. Mizoram

The Mizoram Liquor Prohibition Act, 2019, is a law enacted in the Indian state of Mizoram that prohibits the sale, manufacturing, and consumption of liquors within its territory. regardless of their social status, are strictly forbidden from using any intoxicating substances or consuming alcohol.

4. Nagaland

The preamble of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, explicitly states to ban all aspects of alcohol within Nagaland comprehensively. This involves prohibiting the sale, production, possession, consumption, import, and export of alcoholic beverages. Nagaland has prohibited alcohol since 1989.

5. Manipur

Manipur’s alcohol ban is a partial one, enacted in 1991. Unlike Nagaland’s complete ban, Manipur prohibits commercial production, sale, and consumption of alcohol except for traditionally brewed beverages consumed by Scheduled Tribes under their customary laws.

6. Lakshadweep

One of India’s Union Territories is the island of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea. Except on the tourist island of Bangaram, alcohol consumption is completely prohibited in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

Dry States in India with Reasons for Ban

Here is the List of alcohol banned States or liquor banned states in India:

State	Banned Since	Reason for Ban
Bihar	2016	Social and health reasons
Gujarat	1960	Social and religious reasons
Lakshadweep	1979	To maintain peace and tranquility in the islands
Manipur (Partial Prohibition)	1991	To curb alcohol-related problems
Mizoram	2019	Social and health reasons
Nagaland	1989	Religious reasons

Gujarat – First State to Ban Alcohol in India

India’s approach to alcohol consumption varies across states. While some allow its sale and consumption, others have implemented a complete ban. Gujarat, the state that holds the distinction of being the first liquor banned states in India.

Why Gujarat is Dry State

Gujarat is known as a dry state because it has implemented a sumptuary law that prohibits the manufacture, storage, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. This prohibition is primarily due to Gujarat’s historical and cultural association with Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in the state and advocated for prohibition. The ban on alcohol in Gujarat dates back to its formation and is seen as a way to honor and uphold the principles and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. However, in a significant move, the Gujarat government has allowed the consumption of liquor in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), India’s first financial services center being built in Gandhinagar. This is the first exemption in Gujarat, which has been a dry state since its birth in 1960.

A Historical Step: Prohibition in Gujarat

In 1960, after gaining independence, Gujarat became the first Indian state to introduce a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Social and political factors drove this move, aiming to promote social welfare and reduce alcohol-related issues.

Maintaining a Dry Status

Even today, Gujarat enforces strict prohibition laws. If caught consuming or selling alcohol, penalties can be severe. This policy has supporters who believe it has led to positive social changes. However, there are also arguments against prohibition, with some citing the emergence of illegal liquor markets.

Understanding Dry States in India

The presence of dry states in India reflects the diverse social and cultural landscape of the country. Whether prohibition is the most effective solution for alcohol-related issues remains a topic of debate.

Gujarat as a Dry State: Fact or Fiction?

Since its establishment in 1960, Gujarat is the first state to ban alcohol in India & has maintained a prohibition law, which has not prevented residents from drinking alcohol. One of the widely acknowledged facts about the state is the significant level of alcohol consumption within its borders. It was argued that prohibition imposed limitations that increased consumer risks and widened the black market. It’s important to consider the alcohol ban from an economic standpoint because Gujarat has always had a laser-like focus on its economy. It also has an indirect impact on foreign investment. Gujarat would draw even more foreign investors without prohibition because it represents a significant cultural shift for them.

Dry Day in Rajasthan

People enjoy drinking alcohol in most of the States of our nation but some are dry states in India. A dry day may be familiar to those who regularly consume alcohol. If you didn’t know, please be advised that on a dry day, it is not permitted to sell or deliver alcohol. If you regularly purchase alcohol, you should know there are numerous dry days in 2023. Indian national holidays are typically when dry days are observed. However, many states today also have their observance laws. A dry day in Rajasthan is when the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the state. The dry days in Rajasthan are as follows:

1. Republic Day – January 26
2. Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas) – January 30
3. Maha Shivaratri – February 18
4. Mahavir Janma Kalyanak – 4th April
5. Rajasthan Formation Day – March 30
6. Independence Day – August 15
7. Gandhi Jayanti – October 2
8. Harijan Day – October 30

Quotes and Insights on Dry States

Nitish Kumar, the chief minister, demanded on Sunday that alcohol be outlawed nationwide like that in Bihar, despite the widespread belief that this had resulted in his state becoming poorer.

“Prohibition can be used as a strong instrument to bring social and economic change.” – Nitish Kumar.

He claimed that the experience since the ban went into effect in Bihar in April 2016 strengthened the chief minister of Bihar’s resolve to keep the prohibition in place while he was in office. Later this year, Kumar has made it clear that he wants to use the alcohol prohibition in India to showcase his administration’s accomplishments, and Bihar will hold its assembly election.

“Alcohol is a toxic product; it causes moral, social, and economic damage.” – Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

To declare the entire hill area a liquor-free zone, President A P J Abdul Kalam delivered the “Attapadi Declaration”. He gave a group of tribals an oath and said, “Let us take a pledge today to abolish the use of liquor and Ganja cultivation that is rampant in this most backward tribal belt.”

Also Read 📖

• The Alcohol Prohibition in India
  
• Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961: Insights and Overview
  
• The Thar Desert: Largest Desert in India.

Impact of Prohibition on Society

Alcohol prohibition can have both positive and negative effects on society.

Positive Effects of Alcohol Prohibition

1. Implementing alcohol prohibition in India is expected to impact public health positively. As a result, people may reduce their alcohol consumption. This will also lead to overall improvements in population health.
2. There will be fewer cardiac issues, liver damage, and other issues.
3. Reduced sales and consumption of alcohol will eventually cause a decrease in the number of mental and physical health disorders.
4. The prohibition of alcohol will bring significant benefits to society as a whole.
5. Decreased alcohol consumption can result in a more productive workforce and a stronger economy.

Negative Effects of Alcohol Prohibition

1. Unexpected effects of alcohol prohibition led to a general decline in the amusement and entertainment sectors. Due to their inability to turn a profit without the sale of legal alcohol, restaurants failed.
2. Prohibition initially had negative effects on the economy. Many jobs, including thousands for truck drivers, barrel makers, waiters, and other related trades, were lost due to the closure of distilleries, breweries, and saloons.
3. The decrease in tax revenue was one of the most notable effects of prohibition.
4. Before prohibition, many states relied heavily on excise taxes generated from the sale of alcohol. This also affected the generated revenues for these states.

Final Words

Drinking alcohol can result in several health problems, such as hypertension and, in some cases, violent outbursts in public. The prohibition of alcohol has a prolonged history in India. It is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy outlined in the Constitutions and considered a fundamental belief of Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently, several ‘dry states’ were established in India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to the prohibition of alcohol.

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FAQs on Dry States in India