Mizoram plans to amend liquor prohibition law to allow beer sales

Mizoram: In September 2022, following huge protests by grape growers, the government permitted the manufacture, sale, and export of wines processed from locally grown grapes.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Friday that his government is planning to amend the state’s liquor prohibition law to allow the regulated sale of beer and wine.

The existing Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, enforced since May 2019, currently bans the sale, manufacture, and consumption of all alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine.

Proposed Amendment to the Liquor Law

During a discussion on the governor’s address in the Mizoram Assembly, the chief minister clarified that while the ban on hard liquor would remain in place, the government intends to introduce a bill during the ongoing budget session to regulate the sale of wine and beer.

“Our excise and narcotics minister will introduce an amendment bill to regulate the sale of beer and wine during this ongoing budget session,” Lalduhoma stated.

History of Liquor Prohibition in Mizoram

• 1984: Mizoram’s first wine shop was opened.
• 1995: The Congress government imposed a total prohibition on liquor under the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act.
• 2014: The Congress government introduced the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition & Control) Act, allowing the sale of wine.
• 2019: The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act was enacted by the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, reimposing a complete ban on alcohol, including wine and beer.
• 2022: The government allowed the manufacture, sale, and export of wine made from locally-grown grapes after strong protests by grape growers.

Impact of Prohibition and Public Concerns

The Christian-majority state, has historically imposed strict liquor bans due to religious and social reasons. However, prohibition is often blamed for increased drug abuse among the youth, as illicit alcohol smuggling and drug consumption have reportedly risen over the years.

With the planned amendment, Mizoram may soon see a regulated approach to alcohol sales, balancing economic, social, and public health concerns.