In consonance with the Budget Speech, the government has announced directives to regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages in urban centres and municipalities across the country. The Liquor Control Directive, which is likely to come into effect on November 18, will require department stores and other outlets involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages to be registered with the Department of Inland Revenue and Comptroller’s Office. The directive also bans the sale of alcohol in grocery stores and to minors. Starkly, however, the directive does not ban the sale of raw liquor, consumed in large quantities in rural and urban areas alike. Sale of raw liquors should be completely banned.

Alcohol addiction has destroyed many families, been the cause of violent incidents and often untimely deaths. Control in the sale of alcohol would likely prevent such unpleasant events. Easy availability has been one major reason for widespread liquor consumption. Strict implementation of the directive will definitely discourage alcohol consumers as well as the sellers. Illegal trade has often been encouraged due to official leniency. Moreover, the authorities are often found to have abetted unscrupulous traders and offered official protection in return for a bribe. This should not happen. The authorities must track down the offenders and punish them.