Local liquor needs to be brought into the revenue system: Stakeholders Say

Stakeholders have stressed the need to manage the consumption of locally produced alcohol as it is not possible to control it completely in society. They say alcohol can be managed in a certain area.

In the 53rd episode of Let’s Speak Discussion Series, presented by Hriti Foundation, the stakeholders said that it is necessary to export not only branded liquor but also local products by improving their production and packaging. Speaking on the discussion, Navin Khadka, a businessperson of West-Rukum, said that liquor should be sold and consumed in a designated place. “Some local levels have not been able to adopt a policy to manage alcohol consumption. The big businesses are selling it. It is not possible to control alcohol consumption completely in the current situation,” he said. “We have to move towards managing it,” he added.

Entrepreneur Dinesh Khatri from Surkhet said that it was not possible to stop alcohol consumption completely. “It can never be stopped,” he said. “It needs to be managed. In some places, alcohol has been seized and destroyed in the name of alcohol consumption control, but the same person was found to be trading again. If anyone considers it his or her profession to produce and sell alcohol, the government should rethink it.” he added.

Shiva Poudel, a teacher of Chamunda Bindrasaini Municipality, Dailekh, said that certain areas and criteria should be set for the sale and distribution of liquor. Speaking at the event, Tara Shahi Khatri, Deputy Mayor of Chamunda Bindrasaini Municipality, said that everyone should be united in controlling alcohol consumption. “Alcohol is causing a lot of violence in our society. Even children are addicted to drugs,” she said. She added that even if alcohol consumption is not completely controlled, it can be managed.

Chamunda Bindrasaini Municipality has issued a working procedure on alcohol control. The deputy mayor informed that fines of NRs 3,000 were imposed for the first time, Rs 5,000 for the second time, Rs 10,000 for the third time, and Rs 15,000 for the fourth time.

Sajana Sunar, a social activist who has been working in the field of child rights and empowerment, said that women as well as children faced violence in our society due to alcohol consumption by men. On the other hand, some women have become financially independent through the trading of alcohol. She said a policy was needed to discourage children from drinking alcohol.

The participants in the program said that a policy is needed to bring the local production of liquor within the scope of revenue, which will also benefit the income of the locals. They said that prohibition of alcohol was not possible and that it would lead to a black market, so it was necessary to bring a proper management policy. The discussion was attended by more than 15 entrepreneurs, public representatives, social activists, youth, students, journalists, teachers, and other stakeholders.

You can watch full video of the discussion by clicking this link: YouTube