Despite a nine-year ban, Bihar, Indias poorest state, continues to grapple with illegal alcohol production and consumption. A recent raid on an illegal distillery highlights the challenges of enforcing the ban, with smugglers often outsmarting authorities. While the ban has led to over one million cases registered and six hundred fifty thousand convictions, most are for consuming alcohol, not making or selling it. The illegal trade persists, with authorities seizing over five hundred twenty-two million rupees worth of illegal alcohol in the six weeks leading up to the recent election. Despite these challenges, many women affected by alcohol abuse support the ban, acknowledging that while household finances and childrens well-being have improved for some, the illegal trade undeniably persists.

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