Uttar Pradesh won't ban liquor, says revenue earned used for public welfare.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday ruled out banning liquor in the state, saying the revenue from excise was used for public welfare and developmental schemes.

"The revenue from excise is used in public welfare and developmental schemes of the state. Banning liquor sale will indirectly promote illicit liquor sale and people will start purchasing from illegal sources which will adversely affect their health.

"Thus, for revenue and public interest, banning liquor in the state does seem to be justified," state excise minister Jai Pratap Singh said in the state Assembly.

He was replying to a question raised by Congress Legislature Party leader Ajay Kumar Lallu.