Hype and hypocrisy in the sale of liquor

Governments in India - both Central and state - must learn to separate alcohol related social issues from responsible consumption

My first disclaimer is to state upfront that I am a teetotaler. Second, I have written often against surrogate advertising for liquor. So, I have no personal interest or ulterior motive in writing this piece on the sale of liquor. Except to highlight the hype and the hypocrisy involved.

When liquor stores were re-opened recently, there were serpentine queues, no social distancing, and baton charging by the police. Much media hype ensued. The Supreme Court and various high courts were petitioned. Some decrees were passed for home-deliveries of liquor. But only till the lockdown ends.

The base narrative of my piece today