Assam government’s beef ban extends to restaurants, hotels

INDIA – The government of the state of Assam has announced a complete ban on serving and consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants and other public spaces.

Previously, beef consumption had been restricted within a 5 km radius of religious places where beef is prohibited.

The decision was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at a press conference following a cabinet meeting held in New Delhi.

The CM stated that the expansion of the beef ban was finalized during the meeting.

According to the cabinet’s decision, the ban aims to further reinforce the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, by preventing public consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants, and community gatherings.

Sarma explained, “We have decided that beef will not be served in any restaurant or hotel, nor will it be allowed in any public function or public place. Previously, the ban applied near temples, but now we have expanded it statewide. You will not be able to consume beef in any community or public space, hotel, or restaurant.”

While beef is not entirely banned in Assam, due to the state’s significant Muslim and Christian populations, the government had already imposed restrictions near religious places for those who do not consume beef.

Under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021, the sale and purchase of beef and beef products have been prohibited within a 5 km radius of temples and religious institutions belonging to Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and other non-beef-eating communities.

The government claims to have successfully enforced this ban around religious sites.

The decision to extend the ban to all public spaces follows recent accusations by the Congress party, which alleged that the BJP had served beef to voters in the Samaguri assembly constituency following their victory in a by-election.

In response, CM Sarma had stated that he would consider bringing a law for a complete ban on beef if the Congress party formally requested it.

However, under the new cabinet decision, beef is banned in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and public functions, but no restrictions have been imposed on private consumption in homes.

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