In re: Lifting prohibition in Gujarat in a phased manner

Though I am a lifelong strict teetotaler, I oppose prohibition. Alcohol consumption generates revenue & employment. The healthcare industry benefits too. Therefore I welcome the Gujarat government's decision to legalize alcohol in the Giftcity, Gandhinagar. 

This can be a first step towards lifting prohibition in the state. Of course it has to be gradual. There need not be any political considerations because the BJP is very well placed in the state - insulated against any backlash. 

However the issue is that the bootlegging industry is well established & legalizing alcohol in one go will create unnecessary economic, social & hyper local political disruption. There needs to be a decadal journey towards liberalizing the excise policy.