While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?

Issues about individual rights

• Alcohol consumption should be allowed

  • Right to choice is an important part of our liberty and freedom
  • It is unethical to ban consumption in personal places, as state should not interfere in individual's privacy
  • Such bans only promote individuals to purchase alcohol illegally, or go outside the state

• Alcohol consumption should be prohibited

  • Individual's right to choice should not extend to consumption of harmful items
  • Individual's actions have social implications. e.g. Domestic violence, encouraging under-aged children to drink etc.

Issues around cultural attitudes

1. Indian culture has always treated alcohol consumption as a vice, and against our spiritual values
2. The above is also reflected in DPSP in our constitution, where the state is mandated to ensure an alcohol-free society
3. However, on the opposite side, alcohol consumption is an integral part of the culture of our indigenous people.

Issues around social welfare

• Alcohol consumption should be allowed

  • Drinking responsibly does not harm others around us
  • Instead of an outright ban, state must enforce regulations to ban illegal sale, and punish those who drunk irresponsibly
  • Alcohol sale provides huge revenue to the state, which is used for welfare activities

• Alcohol consumption should be banned

  • leads to issues like domestic violence, crimes, juvenile crimes and rape
  • Causes umpteen road accidents
  • leads to exploitation and poverty among the weaker sections
  • Provides a filip to the underground alcohol/toddy industry