The celebrated writer and columnist told a Rotary Club meeting here on Sunday that a public debate and a review were necessary to rationalise the prohibition policy.

He said, ``This generation likes jeans, junk food, liquor and everything that is nice. But one has to become a criminal to consume hard drink. While restrictions are everywhere on alcohol consumption, a total ban is uncalled for in Gujarat which is fast progressing and becoming an industrial giant.''

Speaking on `Tomorrow's Gujarat', the former history teacher wondered why the State highways could not be widened and beautified or why the State coastline, the longest in the country, could not be used for economic development.

Referring to the proximity and similarities between Kutch and the Gulf countries, Baxi urged the State government to consider inviting petrodollars to the desert district and set up a `time zone' there.

Later, Baxi, who had stirred a hornet's nest by his alleged remarks on the status of women in the eyes of Swaminarayan sect, told reporters that he had aired his views before he took over as the sheriff. Pressed further, he said he was yet to study the principles of this religious sect before forming his views.

Denying a report that he had refused to see Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, Baxi said he was ready to meet the Sena chief.