Never accepted total Prohibition, says MP

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has publicly opposed the policy of total liquor prohibition, arguing that it is ineffective and encourages illicit trade. He suggested that bars should be permitted in cities and near restaurants, provided they are not located near sensitive areas like schools or places of worship.
Why it matters
The statement highlights ongoing political debates regarding alcohol regulation and the economic versus social implications of prohibition policies in India.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Friday said that he had never accepted the total Prohibition policy. Speaking to journalists in Pudukottai, Mr. Karti Chidambaram said there was nothing wrong in opening liquor bars attached with restaurants and in cities.
However, the bars could be closed if they were situated near places of worship and schools following objections from the general public residing in those areas.
Stating that the total Prohibition policy had failed worldwide, Mr. Karti Chidambaram said although Prohibition was enforced in Gujarat, the availability of liquor was maximum in Porbandar, birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
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