Is liquor completely banned in Ahmedabad? My neighbour is selling alcohol from his house in Ahmedabad, where do I complain?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Liquor is not completely banned in Ahmedabad, but the sale and consumption of alcohol are regulated under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949, which imposes strict restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949, the state of Gujarat has implemented a prohibition policy, which means that the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol is largely restricted. However, certain categories of individuals and establishments may be granted licenses to sell alcohol, such as five-star hotels or clubs with specific permissions.

In case you observe that your neighbor is selling alcohol illegally from their house, you can take the following steps to file a complaint:

• Document the Evidence: Gather any evidence you can, such as photographs, videos, or witness statements that indicate the illegal sale of alcohol.
• Contact Local Police: You can file a complaint with the local police station. The police have the authority to investigate and take action against illegal liquor sales under Section 66 of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949, which penalizes unauthorized liquor sales.
• File a Complaint with the Excise Department: The Gujarat Excise Department is responsible for enforcing the prohibition laws. You can lodge a complaint with them by visiting their local office or through their official website.
• Anonymous Complaint: If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can also use helpline numbers or online portals provided by the state government to report illegal activities.
• Follow Up: After filing your complaint, it may be advisable to follow up with the authorities to check on the progress of your complaint and ensure action is being taken.

Relevant sections of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949 include:

• Section 3: Prohibition of manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor.
• Section 66: Penalty for selling liquor without a license.
• Section 68: Power of police to arrest without warrant in certain cases regarding alcohol-related offenses.

By taking these steps, you can help enforce the prohibition laws in Ahmedabad and ensure that illegal activities related to alcohol sales are addressed.