A recent survey by global market research and a consulting firm Ipsos found out that more than one third (34%) of all middle-class Indians said they thought pornography should be completely banned while only a few more than 1 out 6 respondents (18%) want to prohibit distribution and sale of beer. In a list of 15 subjects on Ipsos’s list of what should be banned in India, beer and also wine occupy the fifth last place, with only soft drinks (14%), packaged salty snacks (9%), social media (5%) and chocolate (2%) ranking better.
The survey also shows that middle-class Indians are most opposed to smoking. Tobacco (44%), marijuana (42%) and e-cigarettes (42%) are the things, which are most mentioned for being prohibited. Next come violent video games (40%), online gambling (39%) and casino gambling (35%). Porn (34%), liquor (24%) and online dating (20%) follow on the next ranks.
As opposed to other countries, the Indian state is often quick to impose bans. In October last year the Indian government has blocked 827 porn websites after a rapist said he was nudged into committing the crime after watching a porn movie. Also violent video games, and e-cigarettes have been under the Indian government’s scanner lately, and have been forbidden or proposed to be forbidden.
“Some of the popular violent video games have been banned in India. And our survey validates that most Indians reject them, as they are interpreted as vices,” said Parijat Chakraborty, executive director and business head at Ipsos India.
Alcohol prohibition in India is in force in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram and Nagaland as well as in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. In 2016, Carlsberg was forced to close its new USD 25 million brewery in the Indian state of Bihar only three years after the inauguration after an alcohol ban was imposed as part of an election promise by the later Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (inside.beer, 2.9.2016)
