Bihar government unanimously passes new liquor Amendment law

Patna: The Bihar Government on Monday unanimously passed an amendment law on liquor prohibition in the monsoon session of the state assembly.

Bihar, which continues to see a total ban on any type of liquor since 5 April 2016, recently witnessed deaths of four persons in Begusarai district.

Investigations revealed that they consumed surgical spirit - the same thing which is rubbed on the arm before an injection is administered. Deaths have been also reported in Gopalganj, Rohtas and Vaishali districts after people consumed hooch - a drink inferior to local whiskey.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while speaking on the new liquor bill tabled in Bihar assembly, said, "Liquor ban was introduced for the poor people. They were wasting a major part of their income in buying alcohol. Domestic violence was high. I did this for betterment of poor."

The amendment has been passed by voice vote in the assembly.