Manipur government issues draft public information for restriction on liquor legalisation

Imphal: Amid civil organisations opposition against Manipur government’s decision to legalise liquor in the state, the government in its process issued draft general public information for restriction on liquor consumption and sale.

The information said every retail outlet should invariably display in bold letters that “CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH AND DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.”

Sale of liquor to person below 25 years is strictly prohibited and liable to be prosecuted and punishable under Rule 351 (C) of the Draft Manipur Excise Rules, 2022. Production of government issued identity card is mandatory when demanded, it said.

According to it, no retail vendor can be located within 100 meters of educational institutions, religious places, hospitals etc., under Rule 289 of the Draft Manipur Excise Rules, 2022.

Employment of any person below the age of 25 years in liquor vendor is a punishable offence under Rule 351 (C) of the Draft Manipur Excise Rules, 2022.

Drinking liquor at public places attracts a fine of Rs 5000 with minimum of 24 hours imprisonment along with relevant punishable offences under Section 501 of IPC r/w Rule 351(B) of the Draft Manipur Excise Rules, 2022.

Drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence and punishable under Section 279 of IPC r/w Section 510 of IPC.

Driving a motor vehicle in a drunken state if found with Blood Alcohol Level exceeding 30 mg of intake per 100 ml of blood detected with the help of a Breath analyser is punishable under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Country liquor to be manufactured is mainly for export outside the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur.

Sale hour for selling liquor is 10:00 am till 09:00 pm under Rule 332 of the Draft Manipur Excise Rules, 2022.

No sale of liquor on dry day and holiday, the information said.