After liquor ban in Bihar, Indian tipplers visiting Nepal border to enjoy drink

By Bomlal Giri,Nawalpur, Dec. 7: Following the prohibition of the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol in Bihar, India, the alcohol business has been flourishing in the border areas of Nawalpur.

Local traders report that the alcohol trade has expanded across rural markets in the district and the liquor shops located in urban areas.

According to Ramji Yadav of Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-6, many people come to the border area to consume alcohol from early in the morning. Most of these individuals are Indian nationals, he said. 

Yadav mentioned that small shops and restaurants operated by lower- and middle-class Nepalis in the border region are bustling with Indian customers.

Bhimu Pachbhaiya, originally from Gulmi and now running a hotel in Bhaisalotan on the Nepal-India border, said the ban on alcohol in India has drawn significant numbers of Indian customers to Nepal.

He said that many Indians visit to consume fish and alcohol. “Sometimes they come in large numbers, sometimes in small groups, and if they have a holiday the next day, it’s always crowded,” said Pachbhaiya.

“We don’t involve in agriculture,  we rely on this hotel for food, and to educate our children, whatever it is, we are happy and satisfied,” he said. 

Rustam Ali, who travelled from India to Bhaisalotan to drink alcohol, said he had no choice but to come to Nepal due to the ban imposed by the Bihar government.

“Once you’re addicted, you need it, and fortunately, the border is open, so we can come here and drink easily,” Ali said. He added that many Indian nationals from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are now found travelling to Nepal to consume alcohol.

He mentioned that liquor shops that were previously empty are now crowded with Indian visitors drinking alcohol in the morning.

Locals noted that lower- and middle-class individuals often visit small hotels in rural areas while wealthier customers arrive at hotels and restaurants. They travel by motorcycles and jeeps to drink.

As Indian vehicles require a special permit for entry, a large number of visitors come to Nepal on motorcycles, three-wheelers, and vehicles such as Scorpios and Boleros to drink alcohol.

Local businessmen attribute the increase in Indian customers to the heightened surveillance by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), which focuses on preventing the transport of alcohol into India but overlooks individuals crossing the border to drink.