By Syed Zameer Raza Safvi
The debate over banning alcohol remains a contentious issue in today’s world. While many support a ban, others argue that alcohol should not be prohibited, especially in tourist destinations. However, the key question is: Is alcohol the only way to boost tourism? Are the consequences and negative effects of alcohol worth the economic revenue that states earn from it?
Dr. Marc Schuckit from the University of California, San Diego, has explored the link between alcohol consumption and aggression, impulsivity, and criminal behavior. Studies indicate that alcohol impairs judgment and increases the likelihood of violent or reckless actions.
Apart from religious reasons, there are many social and physical arguments for banning alcohol consumption. Overall, alcohol is seen as a negative influence on society. Not only does it impact health, but irresponsible consumption is one of the main concerns associated with alcohol use.
When it comes to health concerns, numerous studies by medical professionals highlight the dangers of alcohol consumption.
For example, Dr. Charles S. Lieber of Harvard Medical School conducted extensive research on alcohol’s effects on the liver, leading to significant findings on alcoholic liver disease, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. His studies from the 1960s to the 1980s demonstrated how alcohol impacts liver metabolism and enzyme production.
Alcohol consumption is also linked to heart and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, Dr. Jennie Connor from the University of Otago, New Zealand, published a study in Addiction (2016) confirming that alcohol consumption is directly associated with cancers of the liver, breast, esophagus, and colon.
Other studies suggest that alcohol weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.
Economic profit should not be the sole consideration; moral standards also play a crucial role in society. Above all, the safety and well-being of people should be the top priority.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the temperance movement—a social movement advocating for temperance or total abstinence from alcohol—gained prominence in many countries, particularly in English-speaking, Scandinavian, and majority-Protestant nations. This movement eventually led to national prohibitions in Canada (1918–1920), Norway (spirits only, 1919–1926), Finland (1919–1932), and the United States (1920–1933), as well as provincial prohibition in India (1948–present). Several temperance organizations continue to promote alcohol abstinence.
In India, several states enforce alcohol prohibition, commonly referred to as “dry states.” These include Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
According to the Bihar government, within a year of implementing prohibition, the number of murders and gang robberies decreased by 20%. Additionally, riots declined by 13%, and traffic accidents were reduced by 10%. The economic impact was also notable, with household spending increasing. Sales of milk rose by 10%, cheese by 200%, two-wheeled vehicles by 30%, and electrical appliances by 50%. This data aligns with Dr. Marc Schuckit’s study on the effects of alcohol prohibition.
Alcohol may contribute to the economy, but it can never justify the crimes committed under its influence. Every day, we hear about crimes, many of which are carried out by individuals under the influence of alcohol. Crimes such as robbery, murder, and rape are among the offenses often linked to alcohol consumption.
A study conducted by researchers Dr. Anitha Rayirala, Dr. K. Sudha Rani, Dr. Divija Bunga, and Dr. Umashankar stated:
“It is remarkable to note that none of the offenders exhibited other psychiatric symptoms apart from substance dependence and intoxication at the time of committing the crime. Our study found that 58.4% of subjects had alcohol dependence, and most of the crimes were committed against relatives, primarily spouses. The majority of these offenses were directly or indirectly linked to alcohol consumption, as no other psychiatric illnesses or underlying personality disorders could be diagnosed.”
As the debate over alcohol bans intensifies across India, data from an IndiaSpend analysis of the 2013 National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report—the latest available—reveals that 15 people die every day, or one person every 96 minutes, due to the effects of alcohol consumption.
Furthermore, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, per capita alcohol consumption in India increased by 38%, from 1.6 liters in 2003-05 to 2.2 liters in 2010-12. The report also highlighted that over 11% of Indians are binge drinkers, compared to the global average of 16%.
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 clearly establishes a direct and distinct relationship between alcoholism and criminal behavior. The acute consequences of alcohol consumption are reflected in the rising number of serious crimes, including:
Culpable homicide (Section 304 IPC)
Death due to rash and negligent acts (Section 304A IPC)
Hurt (Section 323 IPC)
Grievous hurt (Section 325 IPC)
Assault (Section 351 IPC)
Attempted suicide (Section 309 IPC)
Rape (Section 376 IPC)
Sexual assault (Section 354 IPC)
Public nuisance (Section 268 IPC) and
Vandalism.
These statistics and legal provisions highlight the undeniable link between alcohol consumption and crime, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and awareness to mitigate its harmful effects on society.
In conclusion, banning alcohol would be beneficial for both individuals and society, leading to a healthier and more positive environment. Tourism is not about alcohol consumption or intoxicated behavior; rather, it is about enjoying good experiences, visiting beautiful places, and spending quality time with family and friends. Hill stations are often referred to as health resorts—what is the purpose of a health resort if people visit only to drink?
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
- The author Is a freelance writer and can be reached at Raza.zameer@gmail.com
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