India's states turn to alcohol revenue as financial pressures mount
By
The Economist
Sketches a bagel but doesn't bake it through.
Summary
Indian states face a financial crisis that is pushing them to reconsider alcohol prohibition policies. Despite constitutional directives calling for prohibition, states are increasingly reliant on alcohol tax revenue to fund their budgets. The economic pressures are so severe that at least one state has produced a rational alcohol policy, signaling a shift from moralistic approaches to pragmatic, revenue-driven governance around liquor sales and regulation.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledThe Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the country's constitution call on governments to 'endeavour to bring about prohibition'.
India celebrates its independence day, and many other public holidays, by imposing abstinence.
In Kerala the first day of every month is dry.
In Maharashtra drinkers must (in theory) have a state-issued permit.
Things are so dire that one state has produced a rational alcohol policy
You might also wanna read
UK Pubs Face Financial Pressure: Interactive Tool Shows Local Impact
The article discusses the financial pressures facing UK pubs, including rising costs, taxes, and business rates. It introduces a 'Fucked Pub
ismypubfucked.com·4mo ago
Federal Appeals Court Overturns 158-Year-Old Ban on Home Distilling as Unconstitutional
A U.S. appeals court has declared unconstitutional a 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling, ruling that the prohibition is an unnecess
nypost.com·1mo ago
Research Study on Tariff Burden Distribution in European Wine Imports
This article discusses an economic research paper examining how tariffs on European wine imports affect different parties in the supply chai
nber.org·3mo ago
Capital Gains Taxes and Entrepreneurship: Analyzing the Dilution vs. Risk-Taking Effects
This research paper examines how capital gains taxes affect entrepreneurship through two competing channels: the 'dilution effect' where hig
nber.org·6mo ago
U.S. Alcohol Consumption Hits Historic 90-Year Low, Gallup Poll Reveals
A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant decline in alcohol consumption among American adults, with only 54% reporting drinking in 2025,
sfchronicle.com·10mo ago
Medical Mystery: Excessive Drinking Leads to Life-Threatening Aspiration Pneumonia
A man's excessive alcohol consumption leads to a life-threatening medical condition where he develops severe pneumonia from aspirating forei
arstechnica.com·8mo ago