The Delhi government is considering reducing the drinking age for beer from 25 to 21 years. This proposal came up during a review meeting of the excise policy. This change is expected to make alcohol more accessible to Gen-Z and potentially increase revenue.
New Delhi: The Delhi government, in a review meeting of its excise policy, has proposed reducing the minimum drinking age for beer and other alcoholic beverages to 21 years. Currently, this age limit in the capital is 25 years. The aim behind the proposed change is to curb the illegal liquor trade and boost revenue. If this policy is implemented, young adults in the Gen-Z demographic of the capital will also be able to consume alcohol under the new regulations.
Review Meeting on Excise Policy in Delhi
Ministers, government officials, and private liquor vendors participated in the meeting held to discuss the excise policy in Delhi. A suggestion emerged from the meeting that in other NCR regions like Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurgaon, the drinking age is 21 years. Due to this, many young people are inclined to consume alcohol at a younger age even in Delhi.
The government believes that if the age is reduced, people will not go outside the NCR to purchase alcohol. This will also help curb the black market and lead to an increase in government revenue. This policy is considered to be in the interest of both the youth and the liquor industry.
New Plan for Liquor Sales in Delhi Through Hybrid Model
Currently, under Delhi's excise rules, it is punishable for anyone under the age of 25 to consume alcohol or beer. The meeting, chaired by Public Works Minister Pravesh Verma, was attended by Industry Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Home Minister Ashish Sood, and senior officials from the excise department. The meeting considered a hybrid model for the operation of liquor stores.
This hybrid model can include both government and private outlets. Presently, liquor is available only at government-run stores in Delhi. Under the new policy, there is a plan to expand this market by granting licenses to private stores as well.
Consideration to Revive Excise Policy with Hybrid Model
The Aam Aadmi Party government had canceled private licenses in 2022, as its new excise policy, which allowed private retailers, led to controversies and irregularities. This subsequently triggered investigations by the CBI and ED. Following this, the Delhi government introduced a new excise policy for 2021-22, with the objective of increasing revenue and developing the retail sector by permitting private stores.
Now, the current government is considering bringing back this hybrid model. This mixed model of liquor sales, combining government and private stores, is expected to boost the industry and ensure that alcohol is made available to young people in accordance with the rules.
