Rishi Raj: Total prohibition impractical

Kozhikode: Excise commissioner Rishi Raj Singh has said that the existing liquor policy was a practical one for the state. Speaking at a press conference here on Tuesday, he said that existing policy under which 704 bars were closed down and liquor is being sold only through the 300-odd government-controlled outlets, has reduced liquor availability in the state. It has also ensured sale of quality liquor under government monitoring.
When pointed out that excise minister T P Ramakrishnan had termed the UDF's liquor policy as impractical, Singh said, "My opinion is that it is a practical one. But it is upto the government to make changes."
He added that total prohibition was impractical and it has not succeeded anywhere in the country. "Look at the case of Gujarat where around 100 people die every year by consuming illicit liquor," he said. tnn