Bihar Prohibition and Excise (Amendment) Act, 2018

The Bihar Prohibition and Excise (Amendment) Act, 2018 was passed on July 30, 2018, and came into force immediately. It amended the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016. Additionally, the amendments thus made were to be applicable to all pending cases under this act.The 2016 act was passed to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor and other intoxicants in the state of Bihar. The act outlined large fines and long prison terms even for first offences including those of possessing and consuming liquor. Further, all offences under the 2016 act had been classified cognizable and non-bailable. This 2018 amendment makes changes to several sections, lowering penalties (both fines and prison terms) and making certain offences bailable.