This refers to the four articles on prohibition in the “ > Sunday Anchor ” section (Aug. 31). Prohibition has virtually ceased to prevent liquor consumption in Gujarat, and the story on the State, “ > Liquor on tap in dry Gujarat ,” rightly quoted a person as saying “it’s easier to get booze than food in Gujarat.”
The history of prohibition is more about failure. Prohibition cannot be imposed and effectively implemented in one go. It can be tried in a phased manner through intense propaganda, especially among the rural poor, and curtailing supplies.
G.M. Rama Rao,
Visakhapatnam
Prohibition of alcohol consumption has been tried in many places over time, but with poor results. Those who are addicted to alcohol will go all-out to get their daily dose. It is well- known that prohibition creates a lucrative market for smuggling and the illegal sale of alcohol. Liquor tragedies due to consumption of spurious stuff will be unabated. Prohibition makes good politics but its implementation is a dicey proposition. What Kerala should have done was to encourage moderation by constant campaigns and restrict consumption by those below 18 years of age strictly.
D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore
It is no secret that initially one takes alcohol and soon alcohol takes over. Alcohol is touted by the young as a ‘friendship-builder’. A group of friends assemble for a booze party at the drop of a hat on the flimsiest of reasons. Soon it becomes a daily affair with friends taking turns to host parties. Of late, films portray drinking as being fashionable and heroic.
R. Nandakumar,
Chennai
Alcohol is a good servant but a vicious master. Governments have much to answer for as they view it as a huge source of revenue. Prohibition and taboos mean nothing to an alcoholic. Let some soft options be explored, along with hard measures to deal with drunken persons on the spot and strictly.
J.V. Reddy,
Nellore
