I must admit that I participated at one point with the Naga Mothers Association in pushing for Liquor Prohibition in Nagaland during the Chief Ministership of our beloved Vamuzo Phesao. I do not regret my tiny role in it. But now, after assessing the situation (my opinion) I think its time to relax, not dismantle, the prohibition.
A few points: (1) Allow indigenous wine (rice beer --- ruhi and zutho) be sold with license (with a fee, and revocable if abuse is reported); (2) before license is issued, every seller must install a restroom where customers can relief themselves, to avoid public nuisance and health hazard; (3) no booze joint be allowed to open beyond certain hours -- such as 8 or 9 PM; (4) no permit be issued if the joint is near a Church building; (5) introduce a public nuisance law where irrational behavior in public areas under influence of wine be subject to arrest for overnight jail and a fine; (6)no foreign hard liquor (beer excluded) be allowed; (7) no selling of wine to minors --- children under 18 years of age; (8) driving under the influence of wine be subject to imprisonment, loss of government jobs, and stiff financial penalty; (9) noise regulation, where loud noises from booze joints be not allowed to disturb the neighbours.
These are a few points I believe can help curb unwanted behaviors from drinkers. More can be added. As always, humans behave better when expectations and rules are clear. With proper rules, a mature society can progress by accomodating people with different needs and preferences. One example being the World Cup which the world is enjoying watching. Without rules, there will not be a World Cup.
Kevi Meru, on-email
