Maha govt increases legal drinking age to 25

Maha govt increases legal drinking age to 25

Making alcohol laws tougher, Maharashtra Government on Wednesday increased the age limit for consumption and purchase of booze from 21 to 25.

The decision to increase the legal drinking age was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet on Wednesday.

The government has also banned serving alcohol at all public functions and during ceremonies.

The 25-year age limit on drinking, applicable in some other states including Delhi, is among the highest in the world, a senior official said.

Fine would be imposed for under-age drinking and there is a provision of more dry days every year.

No liquor shop will be allowed within one kilometre of educational and social institutions, government offices, religious places and highways.

There is also a limit on bottles allowed per individual and a liquor shop or bar may be shut down if 25 percent of the residents of a municipal ward demand its closure.

The measures come ahead of the passage of the state policy on de-addiction, which is being pursued by Shivajirao Moghe, Minister for Social Justice & De-addiction Activities.

At the post-cabinet press briefing, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said the new de-addiction policy is aimed at striking a balance between Social Justice and Excise departments.

"It is true that Excise department brings revenue through legal sale of liquor. There is also a moral dilemma if this promotes the culture of liquor. Prohibition is a difficult and contentious issue which is why we have decided to call this our de-addiction policy," Chavan said.