The Bihar Saga: An Analysis of Liquor Ban Policy in Bihar

The Bihar government introduced the liquor ban policy in the state of Bihar, India, in 2015-2016; under the Excise Act. According to this act, there would be a complete prohibition on the sale, purchase, distribution, collection, manufacturing, storage, bottling, transportation, collection and possession of liquor. Liquor consumption is also banned in the state, with the enactment of Section 37 of the Act imposing a penalty on lawbreakers. This paper will analyse the liquor ban policy in Bihar as well as critically examine the psychological aspect through the PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental) analysis model. I will also discuss the historical background of it along with the examples from the USA and other Indian states. Women were the central force behind the implementation of the policy, so I'll also examine the plight of women and their opinions. At last, I will conclude with suggestions for the future course of action.