Late on Thursday night in parts of Bihar, crowds gathered outside liquor shops for the last time as big discounts and 'buy-one-get-one-free' deals were on offer.


When the clock struck 12, the shops were firmly bolted as partial prohibition came into force in Bihar.


From today, home-made liquor, mostly sold in villages and small towns, is banned.


In bigger cities like Patna and Gaya, alcohol will be available but only at government-run outlets.


Phase 2 of prohibition - when alcohol is completely banned - is meant to be introduced just six months later.


Thousands of liquor bottles have been crushed under tractors after being seized from private shops and warehouses.


"We have destroyed 13.50 lakh bottles of country made liquor... worth Rs 3 crore... Shops are being sealed by the magistrates appointed for the purpose," said Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal.


A prohibition police control room will function 24/7 in four shifts, say the police.