26. Power to introduce prohibition.- (1) A Gram Panchayat may, by vote of at least two-thirds majority of Panches, direct that intoxicating liquor may not be sold at any licensed shop within the local area of the Gram Panchayat.
(2)When a resolution has been passed under sub-section (1) above, it shall notwithstanding any resolution passed by an empowered District Board under section 5 of the Punjab Local Option Act, 1923 (V of 1923), 1[or any other Act for the time being in force], take effect from the first day of April of the year next after such resolution.(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in the Punjab Excise Act, 1914 (I of 1914), 1[or any other Act for the time being in force], and the rules made thereunder with regard to the powers and functions of the Collector under the said Act, such a resolution will be binding upon the Excise and Taxation Commissioner:Provided that if the Excise and Taxation Commissioner is of opinion for reasons to be recorded in writing that within such local area illicit distillation or smuggling of alcohol has been carried on or connived at, within two years preceding the date of the passing of such resolution, in such local area, such resolution shall not be binding upon him, unless the Government orders that it shall be so binding.
