Northeast Desk, 7th December: Amidst an ongoing ethnic conflict and an anti-drug and alcohol abuse campaign, the Manipur cabinet decided to lift the complete ban on liquor on December 4.
This move comes after a previous step taken by the state government over a year ago, where prohibition was partially lifted to boost the economy and address health risks associated with counterfeit alcohol.
Maintaining its dry state status since 1991 under the ‘Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act,’ the state cabinet granted approval for the manufacture, production, possession, export, import, transport, purchase, sale, and consumption of alcohol.
A gazette notification published on December 6 outlines detailed rules and regulations for the legalization of liquor. The ban, partially lifted in the previous year, allowed the sale and consumption of alcohol at district headquarters, hotels with a minimum of 20 beds, and the export of locally brewed country liquor.
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