I am from a small state in India where 90 % of the population are Christians(as was I). We have the Total Liquor Prohibition Act enacted in 1989 after strong demands were made from the influential bodies - the Mothers’ Association and backed by the influential Baptist Church Council. Almost 25 years after the Act was passed and supposedly implemented and enforced, the issue has become a hot topic of debate. The Act, in general, sought to ban import, export, sale and consumption of alcohol in order to rid society of the ill-effects of alcoholism. The proponents deemed that alcohol abuse was chiefly responsible for bringing misery to families, especially mothers and that alcohol-related deaths could prevented if liquor sale and consumption was outlawed. Another interesting aspect of 25 years of prohibition is that, many of those who are on the same page with the proponents, do not necessarily share the principles but are driven by unprincipled greed for the high profits earned in the booming black market business. Some would hope that prohibition, or any other policy developed in response would reduce anti social behaviour and risk of death among those who consume it. How good is the evidence that prohibition does some or all of these things? If prohibition has failed to achieve any or all of these things, then it is because it is difficult to enforce.There have been several attempts to review and debate the TLP Act. In 1993 an attempt was made to take a hard look at the act with the objective of getting all on board on whether to continue or lift the act. In the end, the strong opposition from the church carried the day. Even in 2010, some effort was made to explore relaxation but the government ultimately developed cold feet..Aside from the fact that branded and premium Liquor is available at a price and also openly served at various functions, this only solidifies the point that the Act cannot or has not been enforced. The act has not reduced consumption rather the number has increased many fold with more younger people consuming alcohol. The fact is that the problems seen in 1989 have worsened today despite prohibition. Passing the dry law was easy and seemed right but implementing and enforcing it is like the cure being worse than the disease. The US experience is a lesson where it failed but created a community of mafia dons whose financial clout preyed on the very edifice of justice and freedom.I feel the Act should be lifted.What are your thoughts on Liquor Prohibition?If it should be lifted,how do you suppose we go about it?Any suggestions?