Aizawl

Mizoram today lifted the 17-year-old ban on consumption of liquor in the state nevertheless with strict punishment for drunken driving amd brawls in public places.

The state government enacted Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Act (MLPC), 2014 coming into force today replacing the stringent Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act of 1995, Commissioner of Excise and Narcotics L Hmunsanga said.

The new legislation legalises consumption of liquor for the first time since last 17 years in the state.

The law however, would be extremely strict on drunken driving and drunken brawls in public places and would invite imprisonment for several months, the official said.

Though the MLPC Act was now in force, wine shops would be able to sell liquor only from March as preparations were in full swing for the implementation of the new law.

State Excise and Narcotics Minister R Lalzirliana had earlier hinted that retail wine shops would be run by sick PSUs like Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Ltd (MIFCO).

© Copyright PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of any PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without their prior written consent.