The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting held at the international convention centre at Rajgir in Nalanda. The decision will affect 21 liquor producing and bottling units, including six ENA producing units, three breweries and 12 IMFL manufacturing units. "If these breweries, distilleries and bottling plants wish to manufacture or bottle non-alcoholic drinks, they will be granted 'no objection certificate' and allowed to continue operations," Mehrotra added. Rough estimates suggest that the closure will lead to a revenue loss of around Rs 300 crore for the state, besides triggering job losses. Among the distilleries that face closure is that belonging to United Spirits Limited at Hathidah in Patna district - one of the oldest in the state.

Source: The Telegraph January 17, 2017 21:38 UTC