Nargol Sarpanch Seeks Controlled Relaxation of Gujarat Liquor Ban

Sweetie Bhandari is the village leader of Nargol in Gujarat.

She asked Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to change some liquor prohibition rules.

She does not want liquor sold everywhere without rules.

Instead, she suggested special places where traditional toddy and liquor could be sold under strict controls.

Toddy is a drink traditionally collected from palm trees.

Some local families used to earn money from this trade before prohibition stopped it.

Supporters believe legal sales could reduce dangerous illegal alcohol and smuggling.

They also say the plan could help tourism, jobs and government income.

Gujarat’s existing prohibition system would still be changed only in a limited and experimental way under the proposal.