The Delhi government is reviewing its excise policy, with one key proposal being to lower the legal drinking age for beer from 25 to 21. Officials argue that making the beer drinking age to 21 in Delhi will align the capital with neighboring regions like Noida and Gurgaon. They also believe this change will reduce black market sales and improve state revenue.
In a recent meeting, ministers, excise officials, and liquor sellers discussed the plan. At present, residents in Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad can legally drink at 21. So, many stakeholders said Delhi’s current limit of 25 fuels illegal trade and leads to revenue loss.
Alongside this proposal, the government is considering licensing reforms. Currently, only state-run shops sell liquor in Delhi. Allowing private vendors would represent a major shift in how alcohol is sold across the city.
The issue of licensing has been controversial in the past. In 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party government cancelled private licenses after CBI and ED investigations into alleged irregularities in the excise policy. Earlier, in 2021-22, private shops had replaced government outlets, but the move sparked issues that forced a rollback.
Right now, Delhi has four state-run corporations operating liquor stores. Each outlet earns a fixed profit of Rs 50 on most hard spirits. While this ensures uniformity, it limits customer experience and restricts innovation in the market.
However, looking forward, the government plans to study excise systems in neighboring states. Officials say these comparisons will help design a framework that curbs illegal sales, encourages fair competition, and boosts revenue.
It is important to note that violating age restrictions carries penalties under the Delhi Excise Act of 2009. Citizens must remain aware of these laws to avoid legal consequences.
Overall, the proposal to set the beer drinking age to 21 in Delhi is part of broader reforms. By adjusting age limits and reconsidering the mix of private and government vendors, the government hopes to modernize alcohol sales, strengthen revenue, and address public safety concerns.
