The Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government on Tuesday turned down a demand to impose a complete ban on liquor in the state, calling it impractical. The minister said a complete ban on liquor cannot be a solution to the problem, but the government is serious about curbing illegal sale of liquor. So far, the government has closed down 130 liquor shops across the state, after taking a referendum from women. But the government said it is “impossible to impose a blanket ban on liquor as the state gets Rs13,500 crore as excise”. At present, there is prohibition on liquor in three districts — Chandrapur, Bhandara and Gadchiroli — and there has been a growing demand for a complete ban on liquor for many years.

Source: Hindustan Times August 02, 2016 20:15 UTC