Dry states of India — where alcohol is completely banned

There are some Indian states where alcohol is a complete ‘no’. Article 47 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to “endeavor to bring about prohibition of the use of intoxicating drinks and drugs”. Under this law, there are states in India where selling alcohol can land you in trouble. Some states have a complete ban on sale, purchase, possession, and consumption of alcohol, while others have partial or regulated restrictions.


A look:



Gujarat, 1960

Gujarat is India’s longest-running dry state. In fact, it is among the most famous dry states in India where alcohol got banned back in 1960. The state was formed after the bifurcation of the former Bombay State. The Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949 continues to be enforced in Gujarat, making manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol illegal. For those who don’t know, Gujarat is the only state with severe penalties for the manufacture and sale of homemade liquor.

Bihar: Since 2016

Bihar Government implemented a complete ban on alcohol in 2016 under the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act under then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The reason behind this was to reduce alcoholism and its harms associated with it.

Nagaland: Ban Under Tribal and Cultural Norms

Nagaland put a ban on alcohol under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989. The law bans the sale, possession, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages across the state. It is in fact among India’s strictest dry states. The reason behind the ban was mostly driven by social and cultural reasons. It also included community concerns around alcohol abuses.




Lakshadweep: With exceptions

The Union Territory of Lakshadweep remains alcohol-free for most residents. Historically, alcohol sale and consumption are banned across the islands to preserve social order and local culture. Among notable exceptions is Bangaram Island which is a prominent tourism region. Here alcohol is allowed at select licensed venues for tourists.



Mizoram: Regulated Approach to Prohibition

Mizoram’s alcohol policy is a little complex to understand. The Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995 prohibited sale and consumption of alcohol in 1997. In 2007, the MLTP Act was amended to allow wine to be made from guavas and grapes, but with restrictions on the alcohol content and the volume possessed. Now there is Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) Act. Mizoram is listed among dry states.

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