Patna: First-time prohibition violators are set to get major relief with the government notifying the amended Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2018.

According to the notification issued on July 30, a copy of which is with The Telegraph, the amended Act shall apply to all pending cases, including for those lodged in jail.

The amended legislation stipulates that anyone who is found to consume liquor or intoxicant in any place for the first time or is found drunk, will attract a fine of Rs 50,000 or in lieu thereof a three-month jail sentence. The offence would also be treated as bailable, making it possible for the violator to get bail from the police station itself.

"As the amended Act will be applied on pending cases, first-time violators lodged in jail for drinking liquor can now move court and secure bail," said a highly placed source in the government.

According to official figures, till July 12, there were 6,932 persons lodged in the state's different jails. "Our analysis shows that of the total currently jailed persons in prohibition cases, more than 60 per cent are arrested for consuming liquor. They too can secure bail," said the source.

The amendment to the original Act that came into effect on October 2, 2016, had been introduced in the recently concluded monsoon session of the state legislature. With approval from both Houses, the bill was sent for the governor's approval. Governor Satya Pal Malik gave his assent to the amendments on July 27, following which the government notified the amended Act.

It has also brought relief on other fronts, including end to the provision that made all adult members of a family accused in case liquor was found in a house. Changes have also been introduced in connection with seizing vehicles in which liquor were found. Imposing collective fine has also been done away with.