AIZAWL, Jan 17 � At least five people have been arrested for violation of the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Act, 2014 enforced in the State from Thursday last, State Excise and Narcotics department officials said.
The newly-legislated Act replaced the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995, in force in the State since February 20, 1997 and lifted prohibition of consumption of liquor for the first time after 17 years.
The first offender was arrested on Thursday in south Mizoram�s Lunglei town for creating public nuisance in an inebriated state. He was convicted by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Lunglei district and sentenced to a prison term of one month.
Four other offenders were from Aizawl and were convicted by Chief Judicial Magistrate of Aizawl district Sylvie Ralte for drunken driving.
After being proven guilty by breath analyser, one of the offenders was released after paying fine while the other four were sentenced to do public service for three days.
Two were assigned to clean the premises of the Aizawl Civil Hospital while the other two would clean the compound of the Aizawl District Court under the supervision of policemen.
Meanwhile, State Commissioner for Excise and Narcotics L Hmunsanga said that almost 20,000 people have taken application forms for permits for purchase of liquor. � PTI
