The witnesses before the grand jury to give evidence may be required to answer generally as to any offense against the laws of Alabama for the promotion of temperance and the suppression of intemperance committed within their knowledge during the 12 months next preceding or as to any violation within said time of any law of the state prohibiting the manufacture, sale or other disposition of any of said prohibited liquors or beverages or the maintaining of any unlawful drinking place or liquor nuisance, and it shall not be necessary to first specially interrogate the witnesses to any particular offenses.