India’s Bihar state has announced a completely ban on alcohol sales.
“I feel this is the right time for social change in Bihar,” chief minister Nitish Kumar told reporters. "No fresh license will be issued to bars and restaurants to sell liquor.”
State officials had previously banned locally-made liquor. Tuesday's announcement also includes liquor produced overseas.
The alcohol ban was one of Kumar's promises to women voters in last year elections.
“Women are suffering more than anyone else due to increasing liquor consumptions,” Kumar said.
Three other Indian states have banned alcohol: Gujarat, Negaland and Manipur.
