Vidushi Vats
In India, like many countries around the world, there are laws in place to regulate the consumption of alcoholic beverages. These laws serve to maintain public order, safeguard health, and protect the well-being of citizens. One of the key aspects of alcohol regulation is the establishment of a legal drinking age.
Each state or union territory has the authority to set its legal drinking age based on its unique socio-cultural and demographic considerations.
In certain states, the legal drinking age may vary depending on the type of alcoholic beverage.
Additionally, ‘Dry States’ like Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Lakshadweep have prohibited the consumption of alcohol.
The legal drinking age in India varies ranges from 18 to 25 years old.
Here is a list of the legal drinking ages by state in India:
- 18 years old: Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Sikkim, and Puducherry
- 19 years old: Punjab
- 21 years old: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal
- 25 years old: Delhi
The rationale behind setting a legal age for drinking is to protect the youth of the nation. It is to promote responsibility and minimise social problems.
Now, what may happen if one doesn’t comply with the set age bar?
Violating the legal drinking age can lead to severe consequences, both for individuals and establishments involved:
- Criminal Offense: Consuming alcohol below the legal drinking age is a criminal offence, and individuals caught in violation may face fines, community service, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence and the local laws.
- License Revocation: Establishments that serve alcohol to individuals below the legal drinking age can face significant penalties, including the revocation of their liquor license, which can be financially devastating for businesses.
A bonus information for you: Drinking in public places is generally not legal in India. While alcohol laws differ across states, consuming alcohol in public areas like streets, parks, and beaches is often prohibited. Violators can face fines and potential arrest under these regulations.