Ranchi, Nov 28 (PTI): The Congress and the Janata Dal (United) on Friday demanded ban on liquor in Jharkhand to prevent the "prospect of sale in black" in contiguous areas with Bihar as the bordering state going dry from April 1 next year.

"The Jharkhand unit of the JD(U) welcomes Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to impose a ban on liquor in Bihar. We also demand a similar ban in Jharkhand to prevent any prospect of sale of liquor in black in the bordering areas," JD(U) state unit General Secretary Bhagwan Singh said in Ranchi.

He, however, expressed optimism that the Bihar government would deal sternly against any black marketing along the border areas after the decision in that state comes into force.

Supporting the JD(U) demand, PCC spokesman Ajay Rai said the state government should keep a watch on labels to check illegally inscribed rates on liquor bottles.

"We also welcome the Bihar government's decision to ban liquor and demand the same in Jharkhand," Mr Rai said.

Keeping his poll promise, Nitish Kumar had on Thursday announced to ban liquor in Bihar from April 1, 2016.