Imposing a ban on the sale of liquor is like saying that since the incidence of diabetes in India is high, let’s ban sweets. After all, diabetes debilitates the individual, drains the finances, destroys families. Too much tippling is harmful, as is too much sugar, chillies, or cheese.

The job of governments is to establish and administer secure systems so that citizens may live and work comfortably. Keeping track of how many drinks an individual has had is up to families, social reformers and religious leaders: they manage characters and souls, not the Government.

That said, what the state must do is facilitate the setting up of de-addiction centres, ensure that the manufacture, sale and consumption of spurious liquor (or bread or spices) is weeded out, regulate the hygiene of watering holes and so on. It must create an environment that gives every citizen access to education, jobs, a better life.

It’s about equal opportunity and quality healthcare. In an ideal world, this could help combat alcoholism, fight off depression, and build self-worth.

For argument’s sake, let’s consider if we have the gumption to disallow the manufacture or import of liquor altogether. In that case, prohibition’s fine. But to allow its production and then say no, you can’t drink freely — that’s untenable. Besides, killing the liquor industry is bad economics, apart from being a killjoy move. The money’s good for the state, as it is for states all over the world. True, families end up paying a price, often a tragic price. But then, so do families of chain smokers and indebted farmers and children writing board exams. These are personal issues we must learn to cope with. That’s life. What governments must do, that’s administrative work. Building toilets is government work, having a drink is personal choice.

Anyway, governments have no business minding what clothes I wear or who I hobnob with or what I drink, and where. That’s my business and my responsibility alone.

Editorial Consultant

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