Bihar, India's poorest state, continues to grapple with the persistent challenge of illegal alcohol sales, nine years after implementing a prohibition law in 2016. Despite the ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, and consumption of alcohol, unlawful and often poisonous liquor remains readily available, disproportionately affecting the state's poor and marginalized communities.
The prohibition, championed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a measure to improve law and order, reduce domestic violence, and enhance public health, has faced criticism for its failure to eradicate the illicit liquor trade and its adverse consequences. While surveys indicate a reduction in public drinking and related violence, the policy has inadvertently fueled a thriving black market, costing the state significant revenue and creating opportunities for corruption.
Several factors contribute to the ongoing struggle. Poverty and joblessness drive many into bootlegging as a means of survival, with bootleggers often belonging to the same marginalized communities most affected by the ban. These individuals, lacking alternative economic opportunities, resort to producing and selling illicit alcohol to support their families. The illicit trade operates with impunity, with smugglers using various methods, including buses, ambulances, and even coffins, often in collaboration with law enforcement.
The demand for alcohol persists, particularly among those who cannot afford the higher prices of legally smuggled liquor. This demand is met by the production of country liquor, which is often substandard and unregulated, leading to health risks and fatalities. The availability of illicit liquor has resulted in numerous hooch tragedies, causing deaths and disabilities, particularly among the poorest segments of society. There is no compensation policy for those blinded by spurious alcohol in the state.
Enforcement of the prohibition law has also faced challenges. The Patna High Court observed that the law has inadvertently encouraged a new crime: the smuggling of alcohol and other unlawful contraband into Bihar. The court also highlighted that officials from the police, excise, tax, and transportation departments are complicit in the illegal trade, as the liquor ban "means big money" to them. Between April 2016 and August 2024, over 1.2 million people were arrested under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act. In 2024 alone, Bihar police arrested close to 300,000 people under the provisions of the alcohol prohibition law.
The economic consequences of the prohibition are also significant. The state has lost an estimated ₹30,000 crore in revenue between 2016 and 2025. Tourism and industry have also suffered, with entrepreneurs citing the "dry state" status as a deterrent to investment.
Despite the challenges, some argue that the prohibition has had positive social impacts. A study using data from national surveys estimated that the ban prevented 1.8 million cases of obesity among males and over 2.1 million cases of domestic violence. Surveys also indicate that public drinking, street brawls, and intoxicated violence have visibly reduced, especially in rural Bihar.
The debate surrounding prohibition continues to be a contentious issue in Bihar's politics. With assembly elections approaching, the policy is under increased scrutiny, with some political figures calling for its review. Cracks have appeared within the ruling NDA coalition, with some members suggesting that the sale of liquor in moderate amounts should be allowed.
As Bihar moves forward, addressing the issue of illegal alcohol sales requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes tackling poverty and unemployment, strengthening law enforcement, addressing corruption, and exploring alternative solutions such as regulated alcohol sales with appropriate safeguards. Finding a sustainable solution that balances social welfare, economic realities, and individual freedoms remains a significant challenge for India's poorest state.
