Following the State Cabinet nod to the draft Bill seeking amendment of various provisions of the Assam Excise Act, 2000 in order to add more teeth to the law, Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya said this will go a long way to prevent and minimize alcohol related crimes and criminal activities.
On Friday evening the minister twitted, “Drinking at public places and creation of nuisance will also be checked as the bill has provision for heavy penalty for drinking in public places. This will also go a long way to prevent and minimize alcohol related crimes and criminal activities.”
In fact the new legislation will add more teeth to check excise related offence. Earlier taking advantage of the weak provision of the Act, the offenders used to get bail easily and start repeating the same offence. New legislation will plug such loopholes. The draft bill is expected to be tabled in the next session of the Assembly in February.
Two new clauses have been inserted in the Act, making provisions for heavy penalty for drinking in public places. For drinking in public places, including along road side and in moving vehicles and parked cars, the fine will be Rs 5,000. Creating nuisance in public places may land the offender in jail for three months, besides a fine of Rs 10,000.
Liquor outlets that allow drinking in front of their shops will also face severe punishment including jail term for the owners with a fine of Rs 50,000.