Mumbai clamps down on alcohol

It’s a hoot – if you can see the funny side of it. The City authorities of Mumbai announced in early June 2012 that they would enforce the archaic Bombay

Prohibition Act of 1949, which means that any person who is carrying a bottle or caught consuming alcohol in a bar without permit would be fined 50,000 rupees (EUR 710) or jailed for five years. From now on, drinking without a permit will be as serious an offence as driving without a licence.

This crack-down follows the city police noticing the rise of rave parties in Mumbai. Now when hitting the town, punters can be asked to show the permit which in fact says that the holder needs to consume "foreign liquor and country liquor on grounds of health", it was reported.

If punters want to be on the safe side of the law they will have to buy permits. The fees are 5 rupees (EUR 0.07) for a daily license, 100 rupees (EUR 1.45) for a year and 1,000 rupees (EUR 14.50) for a lifetime permit. While daily permits can be acquired from liquor vendors, those seeking a lifetime permit have to make a trip to Mumbai’s excise department.

However, the public are not completely in support of this move by the city authorities. Many feel that it is just a form of harassment.

Should you require another proof why India will never become the next China of the brewing industry, this is it.