Summary:
The department has asked all district superintendents to ensure that tipplers are issued permits to consume liquor within 24 hours after applying for them online. This had led to the powers to issue these individual consumption permits to applicants being delegated to district superintendents. Those who consume liquor can also hold an annual permit for Rs 300 and lifetime permit for Rs 1,000. Critics say these permits are prohibition era relics when wine shops released fixed units of the brew to permit holders on health grounds. Officials and stakeholders admit that the enforcement of these “health permits” issued to drinkers for “preservation or maintenance” of health leads to harassment of drinkers by police and state excise personnel, especially those from lower ranks..