The new excise bill stipulates a minimum jail term of 10 years and maximum of life imprisonment for consumption of alcohol. There are more than 10,000 small and big private hostels in Patna alone, said sources in the Patna police. The stringent new excise bill, which is in the process of becoming a law, has scared the daylights out of landlords and those running private hostels and lodges. "The police will act upon the new bill only after it becomes an Act," Patna senior superintendent of police Manu Maharaaj said. Many owners of the private hostels, especially those for boys, said they are furiously trying to figure out how to ensure their own safety.

Source: The Telegraph August 02, 2016 22:07 UTC