BJP MLA Soumen Karfa demands alcohol and lottery ban in Bengal

BJP MLA Soumen Karfa from Bhatar raised demands in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly for a complete ban on liquor sales across the state, mirroring the prohibition model in Bihar. Speaking on the assembly floor, Karfa urged state authorities to address public health and social concerns associated with alcohol consumption. In addition to demanding a prohibition policy, the legislator advocated for a total ban on lottery operations and stressed the urgent need to expand sports infrastructure for youth development.

The proposal highlights ongoing policy debates regarding state revenue versus public welfare, as liquor sales constitute a major revenue source for the state treasury. Previous policy guidelines imposed strict location-based licensing rules, prohibiting new retail outlets within defined proximity thresholds from educational institutions, medical facilities, and places of worship. Karfa's demands follow rising public complaints across various districts regarding unlicensed vendors, traffic disruptions near retail outlets, and neighborhood disturbances.

While current state regulations maintain designated distance limits for alcohol vendors, Karfa urged legislative leaders to take a firmer stance against the widespread availability of liquor. The proposal faces legislative scrutiny given the financial implications for state revenues, as opposition and treasury benches weigh the social impacts against fiscal requirements.