Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Bihar liquor ban report sparks political debate over decade-old prohibition
In some parts of the world, there are special drinks for grown-ups, and one state in India called Bihar decided to say no to them.
Ten years ago, the leader of Bihar made a rule that no one could buy alcohol, hoping it would keep families safe.
Some researchers studied this rule and said it should go away.
They found it cost the state a lot of money that could be used for schools, hospitals, and roads.
They also said the rule did not really make people safer, and that secret alcohol still exists and can be dangerous.
Some leaders agree with the researchers and think the rule should change.
Other leaders worry that removing the rule will hurt families and want to keep it.
The people who make decisions are afraid to upset the leader who created the rule, so they are moving very slowly.
In the end, the decision is about finding a balance between safety and money.
An NCAER study presented at the India Policy Forum recommends Bihar lift its decade-old total liquor ban.
The study says the ban failed to curb crimes against women and causes heavy revenue losses, with lifting it estimated to boost state revenue by 14-15%.
It warns of a parallel black liquor economy, bootlegging, illicit drugs, alternative intoxicants, and health risks from spurious liquor.
Opposition RJD calls the study proof of the government's 'utter failure,' while NDA allies urge keeping or stricter implementation of the ban.
BJP sources say a rollback is 'a decision in slow progress' because any policy tweak could offend former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
- Who
- NCAER economists led by Ratna Sahay issued the report; Bihar's ruling BJP, NDA allies, and opposition RJD are debating it.
- What
- A study recommending that Bihar lift its total liquor ban and return to regulated, taxed alcohol sales.
- When
- The report was presented at the India Policy Forum last week; the ban completed a decade in April this year.
- Where
- Bihar, India, with political discussion centred in Patna.
- Why
- The study says the ban failed to curb crimes against women, caused heavy revenue losses, and fuelled an illicit liquor economy.
Proponents of lifting the ban
Proponents of keeping the ban
Alcohol policy
Proponents of lifting the ban
NCAER recommends lifting the total ban and moving to regulated sales with excise taxes to raise revenue and free up enforcement resources.
Proponents of keeping the ban
RJD and NDA allies like Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi want the ban kept, with Manjhi urging stricter implementation on the Gujarat model.
Effectiveness of prohibition
Proponents of lifting the ban
The study says prohibition failed to curb crimes against women, its core objective, and JD(U) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur argues 'Liquor ban has not succeeded anywhere.'
Proponents of keeping the ban
RJD spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta says the study shows the government's 'utter failure' but insists the party still favours the ban.
Revenue vs. social goals
Proponents of lifting the ban
Lifting the ban could boost state revenue by 14-15%, funding priority sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.
Proponents of keeping the ban
Government leaders emphasise the social purpose of prohibition over revenue, and CM Samrat Choudhary says the policy will not be revisited.
- State
- Bihar, India
- Current policy
- Complete liquor prohibition since April 2016
- Study body
- National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)
- Study title
- Macro perspective of Bihar's development achievements: Unfinished agenda and the way forward
- Lead economist
- Ratna Sahay
- Estimated revenue gain
- 14-15% boost to state revenue
- Bihar's annual revenue
- Around Rs 65,000 crore
- Government stand
- CM Samrat Choudhary says the state will not revisit its liquor policy