Patna, April 29 (IANS) A Bihar court on Friday refused bail to seven businessmen arrested on the charge of consuming alcohol in a posh hotel here despite the liquor ban in the state, a government lawyer said.

The Patna district civil court dismissed the bail pleas of the arrested businessmen, including three from Gujarat, and remanded them in 14-day judicial custody.

Police said the accused were consuming liquor when a raid was conducted at the hotel two days ago. Their medical examination confirmed the charge.

Those arrested told the police that they were unaware of the liquor ban in Bihar and had purchased liquor from Mumbai.

More than 900 people have been arrested in Bihar since a complete liquor ban was imposed on April 5.