Buying Spree Precedes Booze Ban

After days of panic buying, Haryana state went dry Monday - a victory for women’s groups who campaigned for a liquor ban because alcoholism among men was tearing families apart.

On Sunday, the last day of legal liquor sales, thousands rushed to buy booze discounted at up to one-fourth its original price by merchants eager to clear their shelves before the ban went into effect.

The ban was enacted by the new government of the northern Indian state. It makes possession, consumption, manufacture and sale of liquor punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment and a $60 fine.

After days of panic buying, Haryana state went dry Monday - a victory for women’s groups who campaigned for a liquor ban because alcoholism among men was tearing families apart.

On Sunday, the last day of legal liquor sales, thousands rushed to buy booze discounted at up to one-fourth its original price by merchants eager to clear their shelves before the ban went into effect.

The ban was enacted by the new government of the northern Indian state. It makes possession, consumption, manufacture and sale of liquor punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment and a $60 fine.