Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016

The Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016 is a law enacted by the Bihar State Government in India that imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol throughout the state of Bihar. This Act significantly amended the earlier excise laws governing alcoholic beverages in the state.

The primary objective of the Act, as stated by the government, was to promote social welfare, improve public health, and reduce crime rates often associated with alcohol consumption. The Act's provisions were stringent, imposing heavy penalties on individuals found violating the ban, including imprisonment and fines. These penalties also extended to those found possessing alcohol or allowing its consumption on their premises.

The Act also contained provisions related to the confiscation of property used in the production, storage, or transportation of illicit liquor. Furthermore, the Act empowered excise officials and police officers to conduct raids and searches to enforce the prohibition.

The implementation of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016 led to various socio-economic impacts within the state. While proponents argued that it contributed to reduced domestic violence and improved health outcomes, critics raised concerns about the potential for increased illicit liquor trade, loss of revenue for the state government, and the burden on the judiciary due to the high volume of cases related to prohibition violations. The Act has been subject to legal challenges and ongoing debate regarding its effectiveness and impact.